CPIM MP John Brittas Rebukes Asim Munir’s Remarks on Hindus and Muslims in Jakarta Speech
During a significant interaction with the Indian diaspora in Jakarta, CPI(M) Member of Parliament John Brittas delivered a passionate and bold rebuttal to controversial statements made by Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir. Brittas, speaking at a public event in the Indonesian capital, took strong exception to Munir’s claim that Hindus and Muslims are inherently different — a remark that sparked concern and criticism among many who see India’s secular fabric as a symbol of strength rather than division.
Addressing the gathering, Brittas challenged Munir’s narrative directly and unambiguously. “Asim Munir said something about Hindus and Muslims being different. Can you ever vouch for that?” he asked rhetorically, questioning the notion that religious differences justify hostility or segregation. His remarks were not only a refutation of the divisive sentiment but also a reaffirmation of the inclusive and diverse ethos that defines India.
Standing alongside senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid, Brittas highlighted India’s pluralistic character by offering a personal example. “Salman Khurshid is here. We are all together. I am from Kerala… I am a Christian. In Kerala, we have three major religions. We coexist in harmony. That is the message of India,” he said. His words painted a clear picture of a nation where communal harmony is not just an aspiration but a lived experience.
The MP emphasized that statements such as those made by Munir do not reflect the reality on the ground in India. In fact, they contradict the day-to-day experiences of millions of Indians from various religious communities living peacefully together. “India wants peace,” Brittas declared. “But not at the cost of our lives.”
He went on to take a more serious tone when addressing the longstanding issue of cross-border terrorism and India-Pakistan relations. Referring to past admissions by Pakistani officials, Brittas pointed to a revealing interview given by Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif to Sky News on April 25. “Khwaja Asif said that they have been indulging in this dirty job of nurturing and harbouring terrorist organisations for three decades. We don’t require any more evidence. It’s for all of us to see who is nurturing and harbouring terrorism,” Brittas said, calling out Pakistan’s double standards and indirect acknowledgment of supporting terrorism.
The conversation then shifted toward India’s consistent efforts at maintaining peace and regional stability despite frequent provocations. Brittas cited the Indus Waters Treaty as a gesture of goodwill and cooperation. “India gave 80% of its water to Pakistan under the treaty. We have always extended a hand of peace,” he noted. “Still, Pakistan has continued with its trajectory of sending across terrorists.”
Frustrated yet resolute, Brittas articulated what many in India feel — a deep yearning for peace but also a growing sense that patience has its limits. “That’s why India decided that enough is enough. We want peace, but it shouldn’t be at the cost of our precious lives,” he said firmly.
In highlighting the stark contrast between the two neighbouring countries, Brittas argued that India and Pakistan had made fundamentally different choices at the time of their respective foundings. “Pakistan is a theocratic state… They chose to be a nation in the name of a religion and are triggered by hate,” he observed. “India chose a different path. We are a secular democracy. With 200 million Muslims — the second-largest Muslim population in the world after Indonesia — India shows that democracy and religious diversity can coexist.”
He also praised the diversity of the Indian parliamentary delegation present at the event in Jakarta. “The unique nature of this delegation is that out of five political parties, three are against the ruling party, but we are here together for a mission. This represents the real culture of India,” Brittas said, highlighting how democracy enables unity even amidst political differences.
The delegation, part of a broader diplomatic outreach initiative, included members from various political parties — BJP, Congress, CPI(M), JD(U), and Trinamool Congress. Led by JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, the group is touring Southeast and East Asia, including stops in Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore. Their mission: to represent India’s perspective to the world, especially in light of recent events such as the Pahalgam terror attack.
Brittas’ statements resonated with many in the audience, especially Indian expatriates who see themselves as ambassadors of India’s values abroad. By emphasizing unity in diversity, condemning terrorism, and promoting peace without compromise, Brittas encapsulated a broader vision of India — one that stands firm against divisive rhetoric and remains committed to democratic ideals and peaceful coexistence.
His impassioned speech not only countered General Munir’s inflammatory remarks but also served as a powerful reminder of the resilience of India’s secular spirit. In a world often fractured by ideological and religious fault lines, India’s message — as conveyed by John Brittas — is clear: diversity is not a weakness; it is a defining strength.
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