Jammu, June 15, BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain described India as one of the best countries in the world for Muslims and minorities to live in a secured atmosphere enjoying equal rights.

"After America, India is the best country to live in for Muslims and other minorities, whose rights are equal to that of the majority community," senior BJP leader and former Union Minister Shahnawaz Hussain said.

"Minorities in India are enjoying equal rights. In countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and some European nations minorities do not enjoy equal rights," he claimed.

"In India, Muslims can hold the office of President, they can become chief of armed forces and can become Chief Justice. Four Muslims are presently in the Indian cricket team. There is no harassment of minorities here," he said.

Mr. Hussain, did not mention why there are very few Muslim chief ministers and no Prime Minister. He also failed to mention that Indian Muslims are the most backward community of the nation.

Hussain said, considering the rights enjoyed by minorities in the rest of the country, the Jammu and Kashmir government should also ensure safety to minorities including Hindus.

On Hurriyat Conference's representative character, the BJP's National Executive member said that the conglomerate should prove its mass base by opting for an ‘open referendum as it has always stayed away from the mainstream politics’.

Criticising militants for killing innocent civilians, he said, "What kind of jihad is this? As far as I know Islam does not preach killing innocent people."

Some fundamentalists have brought bad name to Islam, not only in the country but also in the whole world, he said.

Hussain also condemned the demolition of a Hindu temple in Lahore saying the BJP would lodge its protest with the Pakistan government. Masjids destroyed in BJP ruled states were not mentioned.

Source:http://sify.com/news_info/news/politics/fullstory.php?id=14227661