New Delhi: Minority Affairs Minister Najma Heptullah appealed to India’s youth not to fall prey to the lures of militant groups like the Islamic State.
Asked about recent reports of Indian youth joining the IS, she said she totally “disproves” of it.
“Indian youth should not go to any extremist organisation. I don’t approve of fundamentalism,” Heptullah said during an interaction with women journalists at the Indian Women’s Press Corps.
“Muslims in India have enough battles to fight, the battle against poverty, and backwardness. Have any of these organisations come out and helped us in any way?” she questioned.
“I appeal to the youth not to get involved with any such group who are just killing people.”
A man from Kalyan in Maharashtra who joined the militant group was killed.
A 24-year-old executive in a private firm was recently arrested for sympathising with the IS and running a Twitter handle to support them.
The minister also said the central government wants a “tranquil” atmosphere in the country and will protect the minorities.
Heptullah also said comments by “individuals are immaterial”.
“In a country of 1.2 billion, many people say things just to come in the limelight. The government’s aim is to create a tranquil atmosphere,” she said.
She was replying to a question about growing concern among the minority communities following communal statements by the Bharatiya Janata Party leaders and conversion programmes being reported. “Minorities need not be concerned, the government will protect them,” she said.
Asked about the proposed anti-conversion bill being talked about, she said: “There are already so many laws... if there is a consensus on any law, it’s up to the lawmakers to decide. I will abide by my party’s decision.”
She said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech and Home Minister Rajnath Singh on several occasions have given assurances that the interests of minorities will be protected. IANS
