Indian missions in GCC warn against hate speech

Abu Dhabi - Missions in the Gulf countries have asked Indian expats not to share Islamophobic messages.

Indian embassies in the region have urged expats not to be misled by messages of religious intolerance and hatred by fringe elements.
In the past few days some social media users in the UAE have targeted Muslim community over a congregation of Tablighi Jamaat in New Delhi and linked it to increase in Covid-19 cases in the country.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indian Ambassador to the UAE Pavan Kapoor, UAE's Sheikha Hend Al Qassimi and author Khaled Al Dhanhani have all raised voices against discrimination on basis of religion.
And on Wednesday other missions in the Gulf countries asked Indian expats not to share Islamophobic messages.
Indian Embassy in Kuwait urged expats to ignore any messages of hatred and stay united.
"In these challenging times, it is important that we stay focused and united in our fight against Covid-19, and not get distracted by fake news on social media with malicious intentions."
Indian Embassy in Oman reminded expats in the country about the need to fight the pandemic together.
"The friendly relations between India and Oman are underpinned by our shared values of tolerance and pluralism. Let us all commit to maintaining unity and social harmony at this critical juncture."
Indian Embassy in Qatar noted that fake accounts were used to create differences among communities.
"It is clear that fake identities are being used by forces inimical to India, to create divisions within our community. Please understand the reality and do not get swayed by these malicious attempts to sow discord. Our focus right now needs to be on Covid-19."
Also, former Indian ambassador Navdeep Singh Suri reminded expats that the UAE has strict laws against hate speech.
"This applies to derogatory remarks against all religions. Hate speech emanating out of India is another matter. It provides fodder to those unhappy with India-UAE friendship."
He underlined that even as bilateral ties are strong, 'unnecessary controversy doesn't help'.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com 

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