IMC-USA criticizes former Pakistan Prime Minister’s speech as insulting to Indian Muslims
April 6, 2005
Indian Muslim Council – USA, an advocacy group of Indian Muslims in the United States dedicated to safeguarding the democratic and pluralist ethos of India, has condemned the statements made by Shujaat Hussain in a recent visit to India as being insulting to Indian Muslims.
In a speech delivered at the Jama Masjid in Delhi, Shujaat Hussain, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, had advised Indian Muslims to love their country and not doubt their decision to remain in India after partition. Rasheed Ahmed, the Vice-President of IMC-USA, described Mr. Hussain’s statements as ignorant and disingenuous. Ahmed said, “Indian Muslims do not need lessons in patriotism from Pakistani politicians. Mr. Hussain’s implication that Indian Muslims do not love their country is not only far from reality, but an affront to the entire community.”
IMC-USA has also expressed disappointment at Mr. Hussain’s invitation to L.K. Advani to inaugurate a Hindu temple in Pakistan. Rasheed Ahmed called the invitation unfortunate since Mr. Advani is an extremist Hindutva leader and added that the honor should have been extended to an Indian Hindu representative.
Contact:
M. A. Khan
Director of Outreach, IMC-USA
Tel: 516-567-0783
