End of a secular India?

This letter refers to the news report ‘Pakistan terms Ram Temple ceremony indicative of ‘growing majoritarianism in India’’ (January 22, 2024). Beyond majoritarianism, this development should put to rest the tall claim of a ‘secular India’. The Indian prime minister should not have personally led the consecration of the temple. He is the prime minister, not a religious cleric or a spiritual leader, and he represents the state of India where many monitories live and have been living in peace for hundreds of years.

While Hindu’s are a majority in India, this should not allow governments to create an environment where religious minorities feel threatened. Many western countries have a majority Christian population and they pretty much make up the major part of the elected governments. But this does not mean that they start getting involved in religious matters. By infringing on the rights of Muslims, the Indian government will only inflame communal tensions in India.

Anas A Khan

Edmonton

Canada