Sayeed hails Modi's assertion on India's plurality

Jammu, Feb 18 (IANS) Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) patron Mufti Muhammad Sayeed Wednesday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's affirmation on India's plurality and co-existence of people belonging to different communities and creeds.

In a statement issued here, he said: "Though the prime minister's response to the divisive policies of certain elements did not come too soon, but his assertion on inclusive and pluralistic character of the country should help in sending right signals to the world that the idea of India would continues to offer inspiration for peaceful coexistence of communities and ethnicities."

He was responding to Modi's speech in New Delhi Tuesday where the prime minister said his government will ensure complete freedom of faith and will not allow any religious group to incite hatred against others "overtly or covertly".

Sayeed expressed hope that the assertion would prove as a turning point in "silencing the loose cannons of extremist schools of thought".

"Most of the people within the country and its well-wishers outside have had a sense of unease for the past many months over the divisive practices followed by some fringe elements which had created apprehensions among the minorities and a large section of the majority community.

"The inadequate response, so far, from the ruling party's top brass had added to the feeling of scare and unease. The affirmation from the prime minister, though belated, has come as a breather for the minorities," he said.

Noting that by its very nature, India was an inclusive country and has established itself as the only civilization outliving all others in terms of diversity and cultural vibrancy.

"No matter which party forms the government the core of this country will always live in the nation that is composed of all the major relations and countless cultural and linguistic diversities," he said.

He said India is "in a unique position to offer leadership to the world, but for that it has to neutralize divisive forces within and first emerge as a genuine regional power wielding moral influence over its neighbours and helping them in taping the energies and resources of this region".