Rana Basharat Ali Khan Condemns Attacks on Muslim Heritage Sites in India
Rana Basharat Ali Khan, Chairman of the International Human Rights Movement, has expressed deep concern and unequivocal condemnation of the escalating attacks on Muslim heritage sites in India. In a powerful statement, he highlighted the alarming rise of Hindu extremist narratives targeting iconic structures such as the Taj Mahal and historically significant mosques like the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi and Shahi Eidgah Mosque in Mathura.
The International Human Rights Movement, a global organization operating across 60 countries with over 100,000 activists, advocates for justice and protection of marginalized communities worldwide. Speaking from its central commitment to human dignity, Khan described the ongoing actions as a direct threat to religious harmony, cultural heritage, and the democratic values India has historically represented.
Reports indicate that Hindu nationalist groups have intensified efforts to claim Muslim monuments as ancient Hindu sites, often leveraging baseless historical narratives. Notably, the Gyanvapi Mosque is at the center of legal and political controversies following claims of discovering a “Shivalinga” at the site. Such developments echo the tragic demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992, which triggered nationwide riots resulting in thousands of deaths, predominantly of Muslims. Additionally, petitions and public rhetoric continue to target the Taj Mahal, alleging its origin as a Hindu temple, despite the absence of credible evidence.
Khan called on the international community, including the United Nations and human rights organizations, to urgently address these developments, which risk inflaming communal tensions and eroding India’s rich cultural diversity. He emphasized the critical role of civil society in safeguarding minority rights and preserving historical monuments for future generations.
Under Khan’s leadership, the International Human Rights Movement remains committed to fostering peace, promoting religious tolerance, and advocating for accountability in instances of cultural and religious suppression. His appeal reinforces the organization’s broader mission to combat all forms of discrimination and uphold the fundamental rights of all communities.
Khan concluded by urging Indian authorities to uphold constitutional values and protect the nation’s pluralistic identity. The targeting of Muslim sites, he asserted, is not merely an attack on a specific community but an assault on the shared heritage of humanity.
This statement reaffirms the International Human Rights Movement’s steadfast dedication to justice, equality, and human dignity worldwide.
(Sources: ABS-CBN News, Dawn, Al Jazeera)
