Terrorism and radicalism are the “greatest enemies” of humanity and Islam, Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said today in the wake of the Paris carnage even as he held that such forces could not find a place in India due to its “deep-rooted” socio-cultural unity and vibrant democracy.
The act of “some misguided” people is harming Islam’s real message of peace, Naqvi further said at a meet in Egypt to discuss the global challenge of terrorism while underscoring the need for coordination among societies to fight the “misuse” of religion.
“Terrorism and radicalism are the greatest enemies of entire humanity and Islam. Acts of some misguided people are harming Islam’s real message of mercy, unity, peace, brotherhood.
“Imams, religious leaders and other scholars have a great role to play against global challenges of terrorism and radicalism. Coordination and communication among society, religious leaders, government agencies and media is a must to fight those misusing religion for terrorism,” Naqvi said at 25th International Conference on Religious Discourse Reforms in Egypt’s Luxor.
As for India, the Minister of State for Minority Affairs said in a series of posts on Twitter that “terrorism has failed to establish its roots in India due to deep-rooted cultural and social unity and vibrant democracy.”
The minister also noted that religious discourse needs reform and there is no need for reform in religion. Religious discourse reform assumes significance in the current political, social and ideological scenario across the world and it should not be interpreted as attempts to change or alter a religion, he added.
Imams, religious leaders, intellectuals and ministers from about 42 countries attended the conference.
At least 128 people were killed in a series of coordinated attacks by suicide bombers and gunmen in Paris who hit a concert hall, restaurants and the national sports stadium. The Islamic State claimed today that it was behind the attacks.