Kerala expats express concern after Prophet remarks controversy
India Today
Kerala expats have expressed concern after the controversy over remarks on Prophet Muhammad.
Two BJP leaders' remarks on Prophet Muhammad have kicked up a storm with Gulf nations condemning the 'insult' to the founder of Islam. The Ministry of External Affairs has distanced itself from the remarks, but concerns remain in the minds of expats, especially Kerala Gulf diaspora.
Vijaya Shri, an entrepreneur who had been planning to set up a business in Dubai is now concerned with the recent developments. Her sponsor has now halted the project.
"Unfortunately, the statement affected us. We were starting our solar project with Rs 50 crore, our sponsor today called to stop the project for a while because of this issue," she said.
Another resident, Ubaid Tahir, works as a radio journalist in Doha. He claimed that the Prophet remarks have triggered anger in Arab nations and expats working in the Gulf are concerned.
"More than 10 million people are working in the Gulf. Hence, people back in India must think that one statement can impact the survival of many. We must respect all religions," he said.
"We appeal to people from both communities in India as well as in the Gulf, to maintain peace and harmony. Such provocative statements may impact us all," social worker Sanjiv Kumar from Doha told India Today.
As the global condemnation continues, Kerala resident Joe is travelling to Sharjah with apprehensions. He too believes such remarks may affect the lives of diaspora in the Gulf.
