Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh today launched a blistering attack on Pakistan and accused it of pursuing terrorism as state policy.
Speaking at a meeting of Christian leaders organised by India Christian Council in the national capital, he said that while India chose to be a secular country, Pakistan declared itself a theocratic state.
“In 1947, India was divided on the basis of religion and despite that, it chose to be a secular state. The nation (Pakistan) separated from it declared itself a theocratic state. That country uses terrorism as a state policy,” he said.
“It is very unfortunate that some countries make terrorism a state policy. There can be differences between people that can be resolved through dialogue but not by taking up guns,” he added.
“Not only India, but many countries in the world have been affected by terrorism. A terrorist is a terrorist who does not belong to any caste, creed or religion. Although, some people link terrorism with religion but it is wrong,” he further said.
Describing India as a ‘university of tolerance’, Singh said that religious persecution will never be allowed in the country.
“Tolerance is essential for peaceful existence. People from all religions live peacefully in India and practise their religion without any fear of discrimination. That is why India is a university of tolerance,” Singh said.
On rising number of incidents of attacks on churches, he said, “There were incidents of attacks on churches in Delhi which came up in the run up to elections (to Delhi Assembly). But I would like to say that religious persecution will never be allowed in India whether it is before or after election.”
Singh said that Christianity came to India almost 2,000 years ago and Kerala is home to St Thomas church which is one of the world's oldest churches.
He said that India cannot forget the contribution of Christians -- from Saint Thomas to Mother Teresa -- who tried to eradicate evils from our society.
The Home Minister said in India, people from all religions get respect and it is the only country where all sects of Islam are found.
“All important religions find place in India,” he said.
