Paromita Das
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 1st October. Recently, National Conference (NC) Member of Parliament Aga Ruhullah Mehdi ignited a major controversy by openly praising Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, following reports of his death. Ruhullah, a prominent politician from Jammu and Kashmir, referred to Nasrallah as a “great leader” and a “martyr,” applauding his role in the Palestinian resistance against Israel. His statements, delivered during a media interaction, have raised serious concerns over the endorsement of terrorism, especially from a sitting MP in Bharat’s Parliament.
Ruhullah’s remarks not only praised Nasrallah but also drew a direct parallel to Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas, another organization designated as a terrorist group by several countries, including the United States and the European Union. He called the Hezbollah chief’s death a “huge loss” for the Muslim community and the broader cause of the Palestinian resistance. “You will see an improvement in the resistance. Oppressed Palestinians will be liberated soon,” Ruhullah declared, doubling down on his support for Hezbollah’s militant activities.
Aga Ruhullah Mehdi on martyrdom of Syed Hassan Nasrallah(ra). pic.twitter.com/0qC0VkrioG
— ➹▼ (@PadarSeh) September 29, 2024
His comments have sparked outrage and concern, both in Bharat and internationally, as Hezbollah is widely recognized as a terrorist organization responsible for numerous attacks on civilians. Ruhullah’s statements come at a time when terrorism and extremism continue to be serious concerns for global peace, and his glorification of a known terrorist leader has shocked many, particularly given his influential role in Bharatiya politics.
A Dangerous Endorsement of Extremism
Hezbollah, founded in 1982 in the wake of Israel’s invasion of Lebanon, has been supported by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The group is known for its violent resistance to Israel and has been responsible for a series of deadly terrorist attacks worldwide. Despite its involvement in Lebanese politics and social services, Hezbollah’s military wing is widely classified as a terrorist organization by a significant number of countries.
Ruhullah’s vocal support for Nasrallah, in this context, is particularly troubling. By endorsing the Hezbollah leader’s actions and rhetoric, Ruhullah is effectively aligning himself with an organization that espouses violence and extremism. His public praise for Nasrallah and other leaders like Ismail Haniyeh can be seen as an endorsement of their violent tactics, which include targeting civilians, launching rocket attacks on Israeli cities, and promoting an ideology of hate.
Calling off my campaign.
— Ruhullah Mehdi (@RuhullahMehdi) September 28, 2024
“Calling off campaign,” he had tweeted soon after the death of Hassan Nasrallah.
For an elected official to publicly express such views raises serious ethical and political questions. Ruhullah’s comments risk legitimizing the actions of terrorist groups, undermining efforts to counter extremism, and further polarizing the already volatile region of Jammu and Kashmir.
Political Fallout and Widespread Protests
In the wake of his controversial remarks, protests erupted across Jammu and Kashmir, with demonstrators holding portraits of Nasrallah and chanting slogans against Israel. The protests were not limited to men; women were also seen participating, voicing their support for Hezbollah and raising anti-Israel slogans.
Adding to the controversy, Mehbooba Mufti, leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, joined the protest. She announced the cancellation of her campaign event on Sunday in “solidarity” with the Palestinian cause and the “martyrs” of Lebanon and Gaza, including Nasrallah. Mufti’s participation has deepened the political rift, drawing sharp criticism from various political quarters for showing sympathy towards a terrorist leader.
Cancelling my campaign tomorrow in solidarity with the martyrs of Lebanon & Gaza especially Hassan Nasarullah. We stand with the people of Palestine & Lebanon in this hour of immense grief & exemplary resistance.
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) September 28, 2024
Mufti’s tweet read: “Cancelling my campaign tomorrow in solidarity with the martyrs of Lebanon & Gaza, especially Hassan Nasrallah. We stand with the people of Palestine & Lebanon in this hour of immense grief & exemplary resistance.”
The convergence of political leaders on the issue of Nasrallah’s death has raised alarm over the normalization of extremism in regional politics. While support for the Palestinian cause is a long-standing issue in Kashmir, the open endorsement of figures linked to terrorism marks a worrying shift. The glorification of figures like Nasrallah and Haniyeh represents a broader challenge to Bharatiya sovereignty and security, particularly in the context of Jammu and Kashmir’s history with militancy.
The Broader Implications for Bharatiya Politics
The statements made by Aga Ruhullah Mehdi and Mehbooba Mufti come at a time when Bharat faces continued challenges in dealing with extremism and separatism, especially in Jammu and Kashmir. The region has a long history of conflict, much of which has been fueled by external actors and ideologies. Hezbollah and Hamas, with their militant anti-Israel stance, represent a brand of extremism that has far-reaching implications, not just in the Middle East but globally.
Bharat, as a secular and democratic nation, has consistently maintained a position against terrorism in all forms. Ruhullah’s statements, therefore, run contrary to the country’s official stance and threaten to alienate those who are working toward peace and stability in the region. Furthermore, his remarks could exacerbate communal tensions within Bharat, as they glorify individuals responsible for violence and terrorism.
Political leaders hold immense influence over public opinion, and when figures like Ruhullah and Mufti express sympathy for terrorists, it emboldens extremist elements and weakens the government’s efforts to combat terrorism. Their actions send a dangerous message that extremism can be justified under the guise of religious or political resistance.
Opinion: A Reckless and Irresponsible Act
Ruhullah Mehdi’s endorsement of Hassan Nasrallah is not only reckless but deeply irresponsible. By glorifying a figure associated with terrorism, he risks normalizing extremism and undermining efforts to maintain peace and security in the region. His comments show a complete disregard for the lives lost in Hezbollah’s numerous violent campaigns and suggest a troubling alignment with ideologies that promote violence as a means to achieve political ends.
While Ruhullah frames his comments in the context of the Palestinian struggle, it is important to distinguish between legitimate political advocacy and the endorsement of terrorist tactics. Hezbollah’s use of violence, its targeting of civilians, and its destabilizing influence in the Middle East should not be celebrated or endorsed by any responsible politician.
Conclusion: The Need for Accountability
The praise for Hezbollah and its leader Hassan Nasrallah by a sitting Bharatiya MP represents a concerning departure from the principles of non-violence and peace that should guide public discourse, especially in a country as diverse as Bharat. Ruhullah Mehdi’s comments are not just controversial; they are dangerous, as they provide a platform for the glorification of violence and terrorism.
The Bharatiya government and political parties must take a clear stance on such statements, ensuring that elected officials are held accountable for endorsing terrorism. It is imperative that Bharat maintains its firm position against all forms of extremism, both within its borders and abroad. Allowing public figures to endorse terrorists without consequence could have dire repercussions, both for domestic security and for Bharat’s standing in the global fight against terrorism.
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