The foiled terror attack in UK has put Indian Muslims residing abroad under the scanner. Deccan Herald spoke to some Muslims in Bangalore and eminent personalities to trace the impact.
Habibur Rehman Gajula, a real estate industry professional, is the father of 22-year-old Hifzur Rehman, who is pursuing his final year BBA at Oxford House College in London. He said he felt strongly about the incident but believed it was just “a passing phase”.
“Islam advocates peace and non-violence. The entire incident is condemnable. My older son, Masiur Rehman, aged 24, is joining a Master’s course in Engineering at Kings College in London coming September. Such incidents won’t stop me from sending him to UK,” he said.
Gajula is also the guardian to his 28-year-old nephew Syed Riyazulla, who is studying MBA at St George’s College on the outskirts of London. He said he was in constant touch with both Syed and Hifzur who don’t seem to be much bothered about the incident.
Hasnad Mansoor, retired principal of Abbas Khan Women’s College, also said there was no reason to panic. “Why wouldn’t I send my kids to the UK or the US just because a few Indian Muslims have been alleged with terrorism charges? The whole world is open to them. The West has decided to malign the image of Islam and the terror charges are a part of their propaganda,” she said.
“Our conscience is clear and therefore, we’re not going to be cowed down by all this. We, Hindus and Muslims, have together built this wonderful country to live in peace and harmony. We would stand against everything that tries to tarnish this image,” Mansoor said.
However, the attack seems to have made a negative impact on social worker Prof Mumtaz Ali Khan. “I’m scared to send my children to the US or the UK now. This incident has had a terrible impact on the community. The parents are terrified and worried about the future of their children abroad,” he said.
The doctors, who are alleged to be part of the terror plot, reportedly have an impeccable record in India. After going to the UK, what pressurised or tempted them to do such things is our biggest concern, said Prof Khan. “Islam doesn’t ask us to do the things these boys have allegedly done. The Muslim Council of London has condemned them too. The whole community gets targeted because of such activities of a few kids,” he said.
Orthopedic Azhar Almas termed it a stray incident. “Such things don’t happen everyday. Many Indian doctors, including Muslims, have studied, worked and earned respect across the globe. Therefore, this case won’t affect anyone. Being a doctor for the past 11 years, I can’t understand how a doctor can do such a thing as education refines a person and changes the approach towards life. If children in my family would be interested to go abroad, I would certainly allow them. But, we need to monitor their moves to keep them away from any corrupt influence,” he said.
Kannada writer Sara Abubakar felt the entire world has failed to combat terror. “People with vested interests have always targeted youngsters to carry out their illegal activities. Youngsters must keep away from influences that are detrimental to the society,” she said.