Hindus and Muslims are being divided for political opportunism, says Amartya Sen

Nobel laureate Amartya Sen blamed "political opportunism" for the rift between Hindus and Muslims in India. He said that Indians are being divided, and efforts to create a rift in the coexistence of two communities are being made on account of political opportunism.

The economist added that the colonial practice of imprisoning people due to political reasons is still being continued decades after the country attained independence. He noted that in 1922, several Indians were jailed for political reasons.

"I was very young then and often used to question whether this practice of sending people to jail without committing any crime will ever stop," the 88-year-old added. Sen further said efforts to pursue the path of justice must be made.

Sen was speaking at the virtual address at the centenary celebration of 'Anandabazar Patrika'. The vernacular daily was first published on March 13, 1922.

Not long ago, the celebrated economist was at the inauguration of the Amartya Research Centre in the Salt Lake area near Kolkata when he took the chance to call for unity in India. He expressed concern over the current state of affairs and said there is reason to be afraid. "I think if someone asks me if I'm scared of something, I would say yes."

He noted that India is historically a liberal country, and the people of the country should stay united in line with its traditions.