A column in this paper highlighted the importance of civil society voices denouncing the retrograde move. The Muslim community needs to speak out the loudest through demonstrations or visible protest. It is not enough to say that this does not affect everyone, or that it is happening in another country so there is little one can do.

There have been protests here by the community on a number of issues affecting Muslims. Years ago, there was a protest because there were riots taking place in Myanmar between indigenous Rakhine Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims. The protest in Mumbai turned into a riot. There have been small-scale demonstrations on ‘Nakba Day’ or what the Palestinians call catastrophe when they were allegedly displaced. These happened in Mumbai.

Poll

Who will win the Punjab Elections?

BJP 32.79%

AAP 42.62%

INC 24.59%

Submit

View All In Poll

Also read: Your voice matters, the silence shatters

Similarly, when Iranian women were protesting, and still are, the forceful imposition of hijab, one did see some demonstrations in support here. Today, Iranian dissidents are paying with their life for taking on the government. 

By that same yardstick, the community can raise its voice now too. One did see Indian Muslims for Secular Democracy send out a statement but we have not seen robust protest. In a global world, miles have become mere minutes away and every voice counts.