Pakistan
is our enemy and the Pakistanis are our enemies. We have no doubt about it. But
what about Pakistani-Americans? Are they too enemies of Indian-Americans?
Can Americans hate other Americans for their national origin?
Bollywood playback singer Mika Singh caused a controversy
after he said he would perform in the United
States for “Humara Hindustan†and “Humara Pakistan.â€
After protests and threats, Singh retracted his statement and apologized.
Several organizations condemned his statement. They
condemned Singh for making anti-national comments, especially at a time when
tensions were high between the two countries. It was termed unpatriotic and
unbecoming of an Indian citizen.
Singh also received threats from the Maharashtra Navnirman
Sena Cine Workers Association. Its leader, Amey Khopkar, was quoted as saying
in the media that the association would welcome Singh in MNS style (meaning with
violence) if he performed for Pakistanis.
After the protests, Singh said through social media: “People
are thinking that I’m going to perform in Chicago and Houston for Pakistanis,
which is completely wrong. I’m doing this show only for Hindustanis. I’ll be
sending you people videos to prove it. I am always proud to be an Indian.â€
Some said Singh’s action equaled glorifying a nation that
has historically been against India.
Others noted that it was not a regular concert but a celebration of Pakistani independence
day. The singer’s utterance of ‘Humara Pakistan’ was unforgivable.
The controversy ended without further problems, but the
questions remain. Are Pakistani-Americans our enemies, and vice versa?
This writer’s doctor is a Pakistani-American and he entrusts
him with his health without any fear. Is he the enemy? No. The writer and the
doctor often speak about the rift between India
and Pakistan,
the futility of it, and the harm it has done to both countries.
The author remembers a colleague who was terribly upset for
days after India
conducted nuclear tests months after the BJP government came to power in the
year 1998. The colleague regained his composure only after Pakistan too
exploded a bomb--a tit for tat reaction. He too was not an enemy.
Peace activist Dr. Pritam Rohilla of the Association for
Communal Harmony (see his article inside) said there was nothing wrong in
Singh’s comment. “Criticism of Bollywood singer Mika Singh’s utterance 'Humara Pakistan' seems
rather misplaced. His statement merely reflected a sense of affinity toward Pakistan and most probably toward the people of Pakistan. It
was probably based on the fact that many people from Pakistan listen to and are fond of
his music."
We do not want other communities in America to hate
us. Do we ourselves have the right to hate others for their national origin?
NB: This is purely for discussion. Indialife may not agree with
it or endorse it.
