T HIS is with reference to the report `Huge protests in Asia over remarks against Islam by BJP leader` (June 11). Before we delve deep into this kind of hatred that has gripped extremist Hindu politicians, it is always necessary to understand why they show such bigotry and intolerance to Islam and Muslims living not only in India but across the world.

There is hardly any doubt that Islam provides an enviable comprehensive political, economic, social, spiritual and cultural code of human life. Since India is now under tight control of the Hindutva ideology, it is natural to see that communal discord and violence will rise like never before.

The religion preaches equality of all humans. Unlike today`s India where dissent is being stifled by forceful means and voices are suppressed in the name of false accusations, Islam has time and again proved that it has remained the epicentre of harmonious existence irrespective of caste, creed, colour, language or anything like that.

As India is no stranger to the use of hate speech and Islamophobia, the muted reaction of the United Nations will be interpreted as its involvement in the blasphemous remarks. The world body needs to wake up and act responsibly.

Let me end the discussion with a few lines from Maya Angelou: You may shoot me with your words, You may cut me with your eyes, You may kill me with your hatefulness, But still, like air, I`ll rise.

Leaving behind nights of terror and fear, I rise Into a daybreak that`s wondrously clear, I rise Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave, I rise I rise I rise.

Abdul Qadeer Seelro Larkana