Activists of Shiv Sena, India’s far right political group attacked the headquarters of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday, just before the meeting of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Shaharyar Khan and BCCI chief Shashank Manohar. The violent activists of Shiv Sena crashed through the gates of BBCI’s office in Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. The violent protestors shouted anti-Pakistan slogans and held posters that demanded Shaharyar Khan to go back.
In a related incident the International Cricket Council (ICC) withdrew Pakistan umpire Aleem Dar from officiating in the ongoing series between India and South Africa, the withdrawal came as a result of threats aimed at Aleem by Shiv Sena. The ICC move of withdrawing Aleem Dar is itself controversial as the governing body should make sure that umpires on its panel are provided security by the host country. If a country cannot even assure the safety of the umpires the ICC must reconsider hosting matches in the particular country. Pakistani cricketers Wasim Akram and Shoiab Akhtar who are on a commentary assignment will also leave India.
There has been an alarming increase in anti-Pakistan activities in India since Narendra Modi became the Indian Prime Minister. The continued aggression from elements in India against Pakistan and Pakistani nationals has not only damaged Pakistan’s sincere efforts of peace in the region but has also once against reinforced the importance of the two-nation theory, which formed the basis of Pakistan. This uncalled for hate against Pakistan has also ruined India’s so called secular image. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif who once claimed that the two countries have the same culture should also rethink his statement. The Modi government has failed to deliver on its promises of economic prosperity in India and is now resorting to the anti-Pakistan rhetoric.
The ‘secular India’ has been busted and has exposed the country’s extremist face to the world.
