New Delhi, September 13: Krishna Gopal, joint general secretary of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), questioned the perception that Muslims feel unsafe in India. Speaking at a conference on Mughal prince Dara Shikoh on Wednesday, the senior RSS functionary asked why only Muslims and not other minorities feel unsafe in India. Parsis, Buddhists and Jains, who are far less in numbers, did not feel threatened, Krishna Gopal said. Muslim Rashtriya Manch: The RSS Body Which Is a Bridge Between Muslims and Sangh.

"How many Parsis are there in India... hardly 50,000, Jains 45 lakh and about 80 lakh Buddhists are there. Jews are only 5,000. They are not afraid of anyone," Gopal said. "Muslims are more than 16 crores, then why are they afraid? Why and from whom? It should be discussed," the RSS leader added. Referring to a piece of Islamic scholar Raamish Siddiqui that Muslims should not be afraid, Gopal said, "it is a big question" as to why such a mindset exists. RSS Won't Accept Muslims, Says Mayawati After Mohan Bhagwat Speech.

He further said that India never compromised on the principles of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (the entire world is one family). India believes in 'sarve bhavantu sukhinah' (all should be happy) and wanted that even Pakistan should prosper, Gopal said, as reported by TOI. He hailed Dara Shikoh, describing him as a true Muslim and face of inclusiveness. He said that inclusiveness and unity were always integral and an essential part of Indian culture.

Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi also addressed the conference. Describing Mughal Emporer Aurangzeb as "symbol of terrorism", Naqvi said that his brother Dara Shikoh was the "identity of nationalism". He claimed that Aurangzeb wanted to destroy human values and India's 'Sanatan Sanskriti'. "Violence and oppression committed by an anarchist and cruel ruler like Aurangzeb was glorified by a group of Islamic fanatics, Leftist and so-called secular historians," Naqvi said.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 13, 2019 09:52 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).