Dalit scholar's comment on Lord Shiva 'harming' Muslims, 'damaging' secular cause

Shahid Siddiqui, Bobby Naqvi

Bobby Naqvi, who is with the "Gulf News", and is a well-known name among Muslim intellectuals, strongly objecting to the social media post of Prof Ratan Lal, has said that "a big reason for majoritarian hatred against Muslims is irresponsible remarks by people like Prof Ratan Lal of Delhi University."
In a Facebook comment, which has attracted praise, among others, from journalist-politician Shahid Siddiqui, Naqvi said, "Their commentary on Hinduism and icons of Hinduism (while angering religious and liberal Hindus alike) also triggers a massive backlash against Muslims. When the likes of Prof Lal criticize Hinduism on social media, Hindus bring Islam and Islamic practices and ask 'what about this' or 'what about that'."
Naqvi insists, "Muslims (without their fault) and Islam get caught in this crossfire between the so called Hindu liberal class and the religious Hindus. And the ultimate losers are Muslims. Also, such remarks help divert attention from the main issues."
According to him, Prof Lal's remark about Shiva and mentioning a Muslim practice has triggered an outrage that is understandable", adding, Prof Lal may be exercising his right to free speech. But his FB post has not just angered Hindus, it is contributing to hatred against Muslims because of the way Prof Lal mentioned Shiva and that particular Islamic practice."
Comments Shahid Siddiqui, he agree with Naqvi's observations, underlining, "These extremist liberals damage the cause of secularism much more than some Hindu extremists."

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