New Delhi: Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has called on Muslim leaders to take a firm stand against extremism, The Indian Express reported.
The report quoting Bhagwat, said: “Islam came to Bharat with invaders. This is a historical fact, and it is necessary for this to be stated as such. Sensible leaders of the Muslim community must oppose extremism. They will need to speak up firmly against fanatics. This work will need long-term effort and patience. It will be a long and tough test for all of us. The sooner we start this effort, the less damage it will cause to our society.”
Bhagwat made these comments while addressing a gathering in Pune. The audience comprised mainly of Kashmiri students, retired defence officials, and RSS members, the report said.
The meeting took place amid a debate in the country, including within the Muslim community, on how Indian Muslims should respond to the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan.
Earlier, poet and song-writer Javed Akhtar’s remarks drawing parallels between the RSS and Taliban have triggered a controversy, with a local BJP leader in Mumbai demanding that he apologize.
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