LAHORE: Sikh pilgrims say they support Aamir Khan’s stand on intolerance in the Indian society, and condemn provocative remarks against him and other Indian film stars, scholars and minority groups by extremist groups.

They call the ongoing hate campaign a reflection of Modi-led government’s policies that is fanning intolerance, fundamentalism and extremism in India.

“Actually, the Union of State of India never accepted the independence of Pakistan in 1947,” Sardar Manmohan Singh, World Sikh-Muslim Federation chairman, told Dawn on Friday at an international seminar on Baba Guru Nanak’s teachings at Governor’s House.

“The on-going situation created by Shiv Sena is actually a reflection or sequence of that mindset that is being fanned since Modi came into power.”

Mr Manmohan arrived in Pakistan from the UK to attend religious ceremonies in Lahore and other cities. He said Modi had been an agent of the RSS, which had forced the social caste system in the Indian education system poisoned and filled the minds of innocent students with hatred, discrimination and indifference.

“And now it is evident that minority groups and individuals are uncomfortable there (in India because of such policies). The Muslim minority is being told to leave India if they don’t want to stop eating cow meat.”

Mr Manmohan said filmstars Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan were facing the trickled down effects of extremism.

Sardar Amarjeet Singh, Sikh pilgrims deputy group leader, said the BJP was backing intolerance in India to get the sympathies of far-right voters in elections.

“Actually, it’s a group of mischief mongers that plans to hold secular citizens hostage. They are so-called nationalists but the public at large has rejected them,” he went on.

He said there was no difference between Shiv Sena and Taliban. He said Baba Guru Nanak always promoted peace and love among the people irrespective of their religion.

Sardar Gurumeet Singh, pilgrims’ group leader, also condemned terrorism and intolerance by Shiv Sena and the Taliban.

“We will promote coexistence since the people on either side want love and peace. Why (the governments of) India and Pakistan are pushing the innocent people into a life of hatred that is never taught by any religion?” he said.

He appealed to the governments of India and Pakistan to open borders for trade and make peoples’ mobility easy. Gurucharan Singh from the UK said as far-right Modi’s government had received a humiliated defeat in the Bihar elections, it would meet the same in next elections.

“I’m sure that the people will not elect the BJP in the future, if it continues with the same policies,” he added.

Later, addressing the seminar, Governor Rafiq Rajwana said the message of love must be disseminated at a large scale.

“Our religion, constitution and laws discourage all sorts of terrorism and intolerance. And the teachings of Baba Guru Nanak in Sikhs’ holy book ‘Gurugrenth’ have also incorporated the teaching of Baba Farid Shakar Ganj that are based on love, peace and brotherhood.”

Sardar Manmohan Singh said the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), Baba Guru Nanak and Baba Farid preached love and peace. He said those fighting against intolerance, terrorism and extremism should unearth those behind the creation of terrorists.

“All wars and problems stem from ego and it’s a proven reality that only love and affection prevail and defeat wars,” the governor said.

“Pakistan’s image is being tarnished under a plan. It is because of its growth as an emerging power in South Asia with the help of China,” he added.

Bishop Alexander John Malik called the acts of love as the completion of shariah, while MNA Asfandyar Bhandara said in Pakistan, the Muslim majority and other religious minorities were united against terrorism.

Published in Dawn, November 28th, 2015