Following the invitation to controversial Islamic preacher Dr Zakir Naik by Qatar to the FIFA World Cup, BJP Spokesperson Savio Rodrigues appealed to the Indian government, the Indian Football Associations and the Indians in Qatar and Indians travelling to the host nation, to boycott the FIFA World Cup.
Dr Zakir Naik, an Indian fugitive, has been reportedly invited by Qatar, to deliver lectures on Islam during the on-going FIFA World Cup.
“Dr Zakir Naik is a wanted man under Indian law. He is charged with money-laundering crimes and hate speeches. He is a terror sympathiser. In fact, he is no less than a terrorist himself. He has openly supported terrorist Osama Bin Laden and has been instrumental is spreading Islamic radicalism and hate in India”, expressed Rodrigues.
“FIFA World Cup is a global event. People from all over the world come to witness this spectacular sport and also millions watch it on TV and Internet. Giving a platform to Dr Zakir Naik at a time when the world is fighting global terrorism is to give a platform to a terrorist to spread his radicalism and hate. Not only people in India but people from other countries who are victims of terrorism must boycott FIFA World Cup in solidarity with the global fight against terrorism”, Rodrigues further added.
In 2016, India outlawed Naik’s Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) on the grounds that he had encouraged and assisted the group’s members in attempting to spread animosity, hatred or other negative sentiments among various religious communities and groups. After leaving India, Dr Zakir Naik relocated to Malaysia.
The IRF founder had also been promoting forcible conversion of the youth to Islam, justifying suicide bombings, and posting objectionable comments against Hindus, Hindu Gods and other religions.
Qatar inviting the controversial Islamic preacher has not gone down well with many people across India. Noted historian Irfan Habib, taking to Twitter, said, “They share his venomous and violent version of Islam, such perverts damage their respective religions. Terrible decision of the Qatar regime, its FIFA World Cup not an ‘Ijtima’ where Zakir Naik may be asked to speak. Even there he shouldn’t be invited”.
Former sportsman, Major Surendra Poonia tweeted, “Hate preacher Zakir Naik, a supporter of Al-Qaeda & wanted in India for terror activities, is Qatar’s official guest at FIFA World Cup. How can you allow world’s top sports platform for a terror sympathiser who openly calls for jihad/violence against non-Muslims?”
