US Congressman hears plight of violence-affected Muslims in present-day India

New Delhi: “We have been living here for generations, we love India, and we want an atmosphere where we can live with respect and dignity,” is what the Muslims from the violence-hit areas of Nuh and Gurugram in Haryana told the bipartisan delegation, led by US Congressman Ro Khanna.

Khanna and the team arrived in Delhi to partake in India's Independence Day celebrations on August 15.

According to India Today, Khanna had met a scores of people and held discussions with individuals hailing from various backgrounds, each presenting their unique perspectives on the challenges they face in contemporary India.

Among these meetings were encounters with violence-affected Muslims from Haryana, representatives from Manipur's Kuki tribe, and SQR Ilyas, the father of Umar Khalid, a former JNU student currently incarcerated for alleged involvement in the 2020 communal violence in the Indian capital.

In his conversation with the group from Haryana, Khanna was briefed on the recent communal clashes in Nuh and Gurugram. The participants recounted the harrowing experiences they endured, highlighting the destruction of homes and the high cost paid by those who voiced their protests.

Khanna shared that they emphasized their deep-rooted love for India and their desire to live in the country with dignity and respect.

Tushar Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi's great-grandson, also engaged with Khanna during his visit. Gandhi conveyed his concerns about the direction India has taken, expressing worries about a perceived rise in hate, divisiveness, and violence.

Despite initial apprehensions, Gandhi discovered Khanna to be both sincere and politically astute. He urged the US Congressman to advocate for a secular, liberal, and inclusive India on the global stage.

Additionally, the delegation held a significant interaction with members of Manipur's Kuki tribe. The Kuki representatives raised issues of vulnerability and the need for proper representation in the state and national legislative bodies. Khanna acknowledged their concerns and highlighted their aspiration for a stronger voice to champion their cause.

Regarding his meeting with SQR Ilyas, the father of Umar Khalid, Khanna maintained that he only learned of Ilyas' connection to Khalid during their interaction. While declining to elaborate further, Khanna noted the importance of engaging with a wide spectrum of individuals to gain a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted issues facing India.

Throughout these meetings, Khanna displayed an eagerness to engage with grassroots perspectives and understand the challenges faced by various communities. His commitment to listening to these diverse voices was evident as he sought to comprehend the complexities of contemporary India.

Although specific details about the organizers of the visits remain undisclosed, sources indicated that the delegation sought a meeting with Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, a prominent figure with extensive experience in parliamentary affairs. Despite Tharoor's willingness to engage, logistical constraints prevented the meeting from taking place.

The delegation also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.