PM Modi denounces Hatred, bats for Religious Freedom

In the wake of rising attacks on religious places of worship in the country and derogatory remarks used by leaders of all religious communities against each other, Prime Minister Narendra Modi finally broke his silence and warned the vested interests against spreading religious hatred.

“Everyone has right to retain/adopt religion of choice without coercion/undue influence. Equal respect for religions must be in DNA,can’t accept violence against any religion on any pretext”, said PM Modi.

Without mentioning the conversion or reconversion issues, he added, “Religion is a matter of personal choice. We will not allow anyone to spread hatred”. “My government will ensure complete freedom of faith and religion,” said PM Modi while speaking at a function held by the Syro-Malabar Church in New Delhi to celebrate beatification of Saints Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Mother Euphrasia.

“The Government will not allow any religious group, belonging to majority or minority to incite hatred against others overtly or covertly,” he said amid thunderous applause. “Unity strengthens us. Division weakens us. I sincerely request all Indians and all of you present here to support me in this huge task,” he said.

Modi did not mince words to give a fitting reply to US President Barack Obama, who recently said that religious intolerance in India would have shocked Mahatma Gandhi had he been alive. Modi launched a veiled attack on Obama, saying “Religious intolerance is Global Concern”. In other words, he asked Obama to look within.