Mahbubnagar: Khalid Naveed, a social activist and President of the Youth Welfare organization in Mahbubnagar, emphasized that India's legal system actively defends minority rights. He urged a more accurate portrayal of Indian Muslims' condition, both locally and internationally, moving away from negative narratives.
On Tuesday, Khalid expressed his concerns about misleading global media reports. He stressed that some international outlets and human rights groups exaggerate the issues faced by Muslims in India, creating an unnecessarily grim image.
“Is it really that bad?” Naveed questioned, pointing to the various legal and governmental systems protecting minority rights. He mentioned significant legal actions against hate speech, showing India’s commitment to the rule of law and secular values.
Naveed discussed cases involving Yati Narsinghanand and Maharashtra MLA Nitesh Rane, where authorities took quick action against communal incitement. FIRs were filed against Narsinghanand in Ghaziabad for derogatory comments about Prophet Muhammad, and Rane was booked for inflammatory speeches. These actions demonstrate that even political figures face legal consequences when crossing communal lines.
He highlighted India’s strong legal framework supporting minority protections. The Supreme Court has consistently upheld secularism, notably in its interpretation of the Citizenship Amendment Act, affirming that citizenship cannot be determined solely by religion. High Courts in Punjab and Kerala have also protected Muslim land rights and properties, showing the judiciary’s vigilance.
The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) plays a crucial role in monitoring safeguards and addressing minority grievances, including those of Muslims.
Naveed noted that India has expanded its welfare infrastructure for minorities. Following the 2006 Sachar Committee report, the Ministry of Minority Affairs now implements over 50 schemes for educational support, skill development, and financial inclusion. In 2022–23 alone, thousands of scholarships were awarded to Muslim students. Initiatives like Nai Manzil and the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana have improved vocational training and banking access in Muslim-majority areas.
He cited a 2021 Pew Research Center survey showing that 95% of Indian Muslims are proud of their Indian identity, and 85% see Indian culture positively, indicating a sense of belonging.
Naveed praised civil society and grassroots organizations for maintaining communal harmony. He mentioned the NCM’s 2023 initiative forming rapid response teams, including Muslim leaders, police, and human rights advocates, to handle communal incidents effectively.
“India’s pluralistic ethos remains strong,” Naveed stated, comparing it to Western democracies where Muslim minorities often face more significant marginalization. He urged observers to differentiate between isolated incidents and the broader systems protecting minority rights.
“Despite challenges, India is a safe and inclusive country for minorities, particularly Muslims. The existing legal, social, and governmental structures are evident,” he concluded.
