Hyderabad: The Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO) Telangana hosted an interfaith Iftar roundtable in the city where Muslim and Christian leaders called for a strong anti-hate speech law to curb rising hate crimes against minorities.
SIO Telangana organised the programme in collaboration with the Henry Martyn Institute. The roundtable focused on the issue of “Rising Hate Crimes Against Muslims and Christians.”
Several prominent community leaders participated in the discussion. Among those present were Mohd Faraz Ahmed, Atif Ismail, Packiam T. Samuel, Kondaveeti Anthaiah, Rajeswari Solomon and Rev. Basye Paul, General Secretary of the Bible Society of India. Pastors, scholars and community representatives also attended the event.
Interfaith leaders call for anti-hate speech law
Speaking at the gathering, Faraz Ahmed reflected on the spiritual significance of Ramadan and highlighted the importance of taqwa and self-restraint during the holy month.
Referring to recent incidents, he cited the shooting of a fasting 13-year-old boy in Lucknow and the lynching of a 65-year-old man in Bihar.
According to Faraz Ahmed, such acts violate the sanctity of human life, as emphasised in Islam. He also said the initiative aimed to strengthen interfaith dialogue, particularly with Christian communities that face growing hate crimes.
Meanwhile, other speakers highlighted the challenges faced by minority communities and warned that increasing polarisation threatens social harmony. They also recalled how Muslims and Christians have historically worked together to promote communal harmony.
Participants therefore stressed the need to strengthen interfaith solidarity and cooperation.
In conclusion, the leaders urged the government to introduce a comprehensive anti-hate speech law in the upcoming Assembly session. They expressed hope that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy would fulfil his assurance of bringing legislation to protect communal harmony and the dignity of all citizens.