A POLITICAL figure, a social activist, an AIDs campaigner, a former Miss India, a national swimming champion, a film actress, and chairperson of the Children's Film Society of India (CFSI), Nafisa Ali has many feathers in her cap. The versatile lady, who performed Haj this year, was the goodwill ambassador of the Indian Haj delegation. Speaking to Saudi Gazette, Ali said she was keen to perform Haj. “My dream to touch the Ka'ba has come true. My mission besides performing Haj is to give the message of peace to the world,” she said. Ali lauded the Saudi government for its Haj preparations. “Haj has been a magical experience for me. The fact that both men and women have equal opportunities to perform their religious is great and the government here makes it possible,” she said. She remarked upon the Saudi media's freedom in writing about subcontinent's issues. “This shows the great bond that India has with Saudi Arabia; together we can change the world,” Ali said. Commenting on the Mumbai terror attacks and the ensuing political tensions in the subcontinent, she said the people of both the countries are one in the Almighty's sight and that the barriers between them are created by “wicked politicians who are brainwashing the progressive youth of the nation.” “The people of India are peaceful, loving and family-oriented; they don't want to harm anyone. I am pained at the thought of terrorism,” Ali said. She said those fighting in the name of religion need to first understand the essence of Islam, and also that of other religions. “In India, fanatic forces like the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the Bajrang Dal and the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) propagate the Hindutwa cult and mislead the youth, which is not even in the true essence of Hinduism. We should listen to our inner voice instead of listening to others. We should not take the law into our own hands; there are already laws which let us take action against those who create such violence,” she said. When asked why only Muslims were targeted for being the sources of terror, Ali referred to “the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), Naxalite groups, the Hindutwa brigade and some so-called Muslim organizations which spread terror in India.” “Terror has various aspects and those who are accountable must be brought to the table. That is probably why the present UPA government is in power,” said Ali, who is also a member of the Congress Working Committee. Describing the POTA (Prevention of Terrorism Act) as a ‘draconian law', she said: “We don't need laws like that. We have a legal system and the world should understand that we can look after our own problems. India is a democratic country where the constitution is the voice of the people. Though fighting for justice through the legal channel may take time, it certainly doesn't mean that anyone can take the law into his own hands.” Ali was blunt in criticizing the BJP. “The BJP is a party with a wicked agenda. Investigations in the Malegaon blast are afoot and very soon everything will be clear. Out of the 80 percent Hindu population of India, 10 percent are influenced by the Hindutwa ideology. Their minds are rigid. I was shocked when Shah Nawaz Husain said that L. K. Advani will be the next prime minister. Both Advani and Narendra Modi have played a political game of dividing people along religious lines and their track records are well-known. Come elections and they start their political rhetoric all over again,” she said. Calling Kumari Mayawati, the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, a ‘phenomenon', she said: “Using caste politics to galvanize votes is a tragedy. India is India, and we should elect leaders who can do their best for the country, and not on the basis of religion or caste.” Ali was optimistic that the recent mayhem in Mumbai would not spoil the ruling party's chances in the coming elections. “There are absolutely no impediments for the Congress because the terrorists have nothing to do with the government. But the real issue is how the Congress deals with terrorism, and so far the government has shown dedication and sincerity,” she said, praising the people of India, especially those of Mumbai, who have shown a ‘phenomenal community spirit despite deep pain.' She appealed to Asif Ali Zardari, the President of Pakistan, to cooperate with India. “I don't believe that Pakistan is involved in the (Mumbai) blasts, but we request the Pakistani Government to come down heavily on terrorist camps, if they exist on that country's soil.” Ali believes in the ‘politics of change', which she says is “essential for the progress of the country and is not a power game.” “There is so much suffering, aggression, and marginalization in some parts of the country; we should work to solve these problems,” she said. Ali appealed to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to “ensure good care of issues related to the Indian expats living in the Kingdom. Most of them live here without their families which is difficult. Expatriates face problems when they go back home; this is a major issue which needs a human touch,” she said. __
