By Web Desk
CoHNA expresses grave concern regarding the upcoming event, “The Struggle Must Continue! Hindutva fascism in India and in the diaspora, and its impacts on minorities” organized by the South Asian Diaspora Action Collective (SADAC) and CERAS at Concordia University on August 15th. It labels India as a “Hindutva fascism” state and characterizes Hindu Canadians as “Hindutva fascists.”
The event features speakers with troubling histories, including allegations of fraud, support for terrorism, and the promotion of Hinduphobia. It is alarming that Concordia University would host an event with the potential to incite hatred and jeopardize the safety and well-being of Hindu students, faculty, and the broader community.
Controversial Key Speakers
Teesta Setalvad, a elite and privileged activist, has been facing legal scrutiny in India with allegations of tutoring witnesses, forging documents and fabricating evidence in connection with the 2002 Gujarat riots, misappropriating funds meant for riot victims, and receiving funds from questionable sources to create instability in India. Last year, the Indian Supreme Court, while granting her regular bail, said, “The appellant shall not make any attempt to influence witnesses and shall stay away from them.” In July 2023, she was able to secure a same-day special sitting from the Supreme Court of India to get a stay order on her bail plea that was rejected by the High Court, indicative of her privilege and deep access to the Indian judiciary. She is currently also under investigation for receiving money inappropriately from China to create unrest in India. It is concerning that someone with such a history is being given a platform to speak on a day that symbolizes freedom and unity for millions.
Afreen Fatima has a history of spreading divisive narratives that incite violence and hatred. She misrepresented CAA, (a humanitarian law aimed at fastracking citizenship for the minorities facing persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh), as anti-Muslim – when the law has no impact on the Indian Muslim community. She has supported anti-Hindu individuals who have attacked Hindu traditions and tried to restrict the free speech of Hindus. She called a convicted terrorist responsible for deaths of nine innocent lives, as “innocent”. Her stance on these issues raises questions about her commitment to peace and social harmony.
This story was originally published in hindupost.in. Read the full story here.
