Delhi: Indian politician Pramod Muthalik urged young Hindu men to lure “10 Muslim girls if we lose one Hindu girl” through what he called “love jihad” and promised to provide them security and employment.

According to The Indian Express, Muthalik, chief of Hindu nationalist party Sri Ram Sena, speaking at public event in Karnataka’s Bagalkote on February 19, alleged that thousands of Hindu girls were being “Exploited in name of love jihad”, belief that Muslims are seeking to deceive Hindu women through marriage and convert them to Islam.

“We are aware of situation. I would like to invite youth here. If we lose one Hindu girl, we should trap 10 Muslim girls. If you do so, Sri Ram Sena will take responsibility for you and provide every kind of security and employment,” report quoted Muthalik as saying. “Our girls are exploited in love jihad.

Across country, thousands of girls are cheated in name of love. We should warn them,” politician further said. Report also stated that in conversation with The Indian Express, Muthalik had said that he had made similar statements more than 10 times and would continue to do so to “Protect Hindu women”.

“I am not saying this because elections are around corner. My statements have always been in interest of Hindus,” report quoted him as saying. Report added that Muthalik’s comments have been widely criticised, with “love jihad” considered to be baseless conspiracy theory that courts have rejected.

Indian politician’s remarks were condemned by number of civil society members in country. Journalist Muhammed Zubair who was arrested for allegedly insulting Hindu religious leaders on Twitter asked why Karnataka police was not taking action against Muthalik.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 22 2023

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