In a significant move, the ‘X’ account (formerly Twitter) of controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik has been suspended in India. The decision comes in the wake of heightened diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly after the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India issued a stern statement condemning Pakistan’s reception of Naik.
The suspension of Zakir Naik’s account marks a crucial step in the ongoing scrutiny of his activities, especially given his controversial past and the charges leveled against him by Indian authorities. Naik has been accused of spreading hate speech and radical views that allegedly promote extremism, which led to the Indian government banning his Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) in 2016. He has been living in exile since then, primarily in Malaysia.
Diplomatic Fallout
India’s response to Pakistan’s engagement with Zakir Naik has been firm. On Thursday, the MEA labeled Pakistan’s reception of Naik as “condemnable,” with spokesperson Arindam Bagchi stating that Naik’s presence in Pakistan was “not surprising.” The remarks were a clear reflection of India’s frustration with Pakistan’s long-standing tolerance towards individuals accused of inciting extremism.
Naik’s appearance in Pakistan came during an event hosted by the Pakistani government, leading to a strong reaction from Indian officials. The MEA’s statement further underscored India’s concerns over the harboring of individuals seen as threats to national security, particularly figures like Naik, whose sermons have been linked to acts of terrorism and radicalization.
Long-standing Controversy
Zakir Naik’s influence and reach, especially through online platforms, have been significant over the years. His speeches, often delivered in English and broadcast worldwide, have attracted a large following. However, they have also drawn severe criticism for allegedly promoting religious intolerance and extremist ideologies.
Naik has faced legal action from several countries. In India, he is wanted on multiple charges, including money laundering and inciting communal hatred. His speeches have been linked to the radicalization of certain individuals, including one of the perpetrators of the 2016 Dhaka terrorist attack.
Social Media Clampdown
The suspension of Zakir Naik’s ‘X’ account in India is part of a broader effort by the government to curb the influence of individuals and groups that promote radical ideologies on social media platforms. The Indian government has been working closely with social media companies to ensure that content promoting extremism or hate speech is identified and removed.
This move follows a series of actions by Indian authorities to restrict Naik’s digital presence in the country, with YouTube and other platforms also being closely monitored for content related to him.
Conclusion
The suspension of Zakir Naik’s ‘X’ account in India represents both a symbolic and practical step in the government’s ongoing battle against extremist ideologies. It highlights the complex diplomatic challenges India faces, particularly in its relations with Pakistan, while reinforcing the country’s commitment to addressing hate speech and radicalism. As tensions between India and Pakistan remain high, particularly with issues like cross-border terrorism and extremism, Naik’s case is likely to remain a significant point of contention.
