LAHORE, Feb 7: Indian historian Dr. Hasrh Mander has said that globalization was contributing to the rise of communalism around the world. Speaking at a meeting at the Government College University here , he said that communal riots started in India for the first time at the time of partition.

Gandhi was murdered by a Hindu because he wanted the Hindus and Muslims to live in peace.

The BJP was the party of a small Hindu minority and never bagged more than 20 per cent votes. The Hindus of Gujarat dominated the caste system and were involved in anti-Muslim riots.

Prof K.N. Panikar said that the Indian society comprised 4,685 communities and cultures. It could turn into a nation only by negating communalism.

He pointed out that India Muslims and Hindus fought against the British in the 1857 freedom war together but were divided by them later.

He said that middle class formed the social base of communalism and used the poor as its instruments. Supporters of secularism were in majority in the Indian society but opportunism of political parties strengthened communalism.

Dr Panikar said that the religion and culture were closely linked. Hindu nationalism was not political or economic but only a cultural ideology.

Only secularism could negate communalism and keep the Indian nation together.