New Delhi: Terming that the Babri masjid
demolition and Gujarat riots left a scar on the country's
face, Union Minister Sachin Pilot today said the government
was taking all measures to ensure the welfare of Muslims but
the activists countered him alleging that the community
members were being targeted for their religion.
Participating in 'Doha debate' at St Stephens College
here on whether Indian Muslims were given a fair deal, Pilot
said "we regretted the Gujarat riot. Babri Masjid has been a
scar on our face but justice has not been denied. We guarantee
that nothing of this sort will happen in future."
Speaking against the motion, the minister said the
Constitution has provided equal opportunity to everyone
irrespective of their religion and Muslims have enjoyed
democracy for the last 60 years.
"Anybody who understands India and its ethos will
completely disagree that the Muslims are being targeted in the
country. Muslims have become President, Vice President and
held many important posts," he said.
Disagreeing with Pilot, Seema Mustafa, editor of
Covert magazine, said Muslims have always faced discrimination
and the Sachar Committee report have proved it. They are being
labelled as terrorists and sometimes appeased groups.
"Government of India, political parties and also the
Muslim leaders who mostly belong to the elite and upper class
should be held responsible for the present condition of the
Muslims," she said.
-PTI
First Published: Tuesday, February 16, 2010, 00:39