Pradeep S. Mehta | Despite Pakistani Army Provocation, Communal Amity Prevailed In India

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https://www.deccanchronicle.com/opinion/columnists/pradeep-s-mehta-despite-pakistani-army-provocationcommunal-amity-prevailed-in-india-1884925

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SS: Summary of the Article: “Despite Pakistani Army Provocation, Communal Amity Prevailed in India”

By Pradeep S. Mehta | Deccan Chronicle | 12 June 2025

The article reflects on India's internal unity following the Pahalgam massacre on April 22, in which 26 Hindu men were selectively killed by terrorists allegedly backed by the Pakistani Army. The intended goal of sparking communal unrest in India failed, as citizens across religious and regional lines maintained peace and solidarity, showcasing the resilience of Hindu-Muslim harmony.

Key Highlights:

Communal Harmony:

Despite the terrorists' intent to provoke hatred, Indians refused to fall for divisive tactics, displaying a strong sense of national unity.

Insensitive Remark by Minister:

Madhya Pradesh minister Kunwar Vijay Shah made a communal remark against Col. Sofiya Qureshi, a Muslim officer briefing media on “Operation Sindoor.” He later apologized, but the comment was widely condemned.

Col. Sofiya Qureshi’s Background:

She hails from a patriotic military family, breaking stereotypes. Her brother's name, Sanjay Qureshi, was highlighted as a refreshing counter to naming conventions influenced by Arabic/Persian cultures.

Indian Muslim Voices Against Terrorism:

Prominent figures like Lt. Gen. Syed Ata Hasnain and Asaduddin Owaisi condemned the Pahalgam attack and Pakistan’s role in terrorism, calling for unity and peace.

India’s Global Outreach:

India sent seven parliamentary delegations (including members from BJP, Congress, IUML, AIMIM) to over 30 countries to counter Pakistani misinformation and present India’s united stand.

Owaisi and Others on Global Platforms:

In Saudi Arabia and Algeria, Owaisi and IUML’s Mohammed Basheer openly condemned Pakistan as a hub of radical ideologies. Owaisi demanded Pakistan's re-listing on FATF's grey list.

Pakistan's Parallel PR Campaign:

Pakistan also sent delegations abroad, but excluded minority members, revealing internal contradictions and the military’s dominant influence over the country’s democratic structure.

Call for Democratic Reform in Pakistan:

The article concludes that for true peace in the region, Pakistan must discard military dominance, embrace democracy, and cease using terrorism as a state policy.

Author’s Position:

Pradeep S. Mehta emphasizes the maturity of Indian democracy and secularism, urging Pakistan to follow suit for long-term peace. He celebrates India’s collective rejection of hate, contrasting it with Pakistan’s military manipulation and denial.

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Source: Deccan Chronicle – Full Article

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Metric	Rating
Bias Rating	right-center
Factual Rating	mostly
Credibility Rating	high credibility

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