Fight ‘twin evils’ of extremism & intolerance, India tells UN

Stating that modern societies cannot and should not tolerate terrorism and violence, he warned those “consciously or unconsciously” abetting extremism to remember that these are the monsters “that may not easily go away”.

He said India is concerned over increase in resources, financial and otherwise, that are being made available to violent groups who misuse the “religion to justify and propagate their own agendas.”

Intervening in the debate on “Culture of Peace,” he said all acts of extremism and intolerance run counter to the central teaching of all religions and faiths which are based on the universal values of peace, goodness and humanity.

“No religion condones violence and killing of human beings,” he told the 192-member assembly.

Dialogue among different cultures and religions is important, Ahamed said, adding that it is precisely in the absence of such dialogue and understanding that intolerance, bigotry and violence flourish.

The absence of dialogue is one reason that the extremist ideologies, violence and terrorism has grown, Ahamed said, adding that there can be no dispute that terrorism, which a manifestation of extremism, intolerance and violence, is the antithesis of all religions.

Emphasising the responsibility of member states to do all in their power to promote tolerance and respect, Ahamed said eventually a larger platform based on tolerance which stresses the fundamental equality of all cultural traditions, religions and faiths would have be built.

The world, he said, is home to such a diversity of faiths and cultures that proactive dialogue based initiatives are essential to ensue better understanding between the peoples.

“Such dialogues should expand mutual comprehension and reduce misunderstandings and misgivings; indeed, they should aim to celebrate the infinite diversity that makes up our world,” he told the delegates.

Pointing out that India is home to all major religions and faiths, he said inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue is not new to it. A true partnership, Ahamed said, derives from a willingness to engage with each other in a dialogue based upon equality and mutual respect.

The first philosophical dialogue between India and the West goes back to the time of ancient Greece, he told the delegates, adding that as Islam found a home in India, it too became part of the dialogue of civilizations.