Diplomat Correspondent
New Delhi:DD, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, the Grand Mufti of India, has raised serious concerns over a series of incidents targeting minority communities in parts of North India, warning that such actions threaten the core values of India’s secular and democratic framework.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday, the Grand Mufti condemned the recent mob attack on a group of Malayali Catholic nuns in Chhattisgarh, who were reportedly harassed and subjected to a public trial during a train journey over allegations of religious conversion and human trafficking.
“Repeated incidents that violate the spirit of religious freedom and coexistence enshrined in our Constitution are deeply troubling. Mob vigilantism against minorities is not only unlawful but also corrodes the fabric of national unity and brotherhood,” Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad stated.
He further recalled a similar case in Kerala, where underprivileged students from North India, who had enrolled in orphanages for education, were unjustly accused of human trafficking and denied their right to education. “State borders must not become barriers to education, employment, or free movement. Their purpose is purely administrative—not to divide the people of our nation,” he said.
Expressing concern over broader trends, the Grand Mufti pointed to recent developments in Bihar, where sections of the population reportedly faced scrutiny over their citizenship status during a voter list revision. He also cited exclusionary practices in Assam that have left many ordinary citizens vulnerable.
“Such actions risk not only violating fundamental rights but also damaging India’s image as a pluralistic and inclusive democracy on the global stage,” he noted.
Reaffirming the constitutional guarantees of life, religious freedom, and freedom of movement, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad emphasized the need for urgent and unified action. “Illegal evictions and targeted assaults on minorities cannot be justified—legally, morally, or constitutionally. Civil society, the judiciary, and governments at all levels must work together to counter those who incite hatred and disrupt social harmony.”
He urged political parties, state and central authorities, and the public to remain vigilant and proactive in upholding India’s unity in diversity. “Safeguarding the integrity of our democracy and the rights of all citizens must remain our collective responsibility,” the Grand Mufti concluded.DD