Recently, retired IPS officer and Padma Bhushan recipient Mr. Julio Ribeiro was
reported to have made several statements concerning the situation of minorities in
India, drawing comparisons with the plight of Hindus and Christians in Pakistan.
According to statements attributed to Mr. Ribeiro, minorities in India may have to
face challenges similar to those experienced by these groups in Pakistan, where
they live in fear as second-class citizens.
Mr. Ribeiro’s comments were made in the context of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s
recent interactions with members of the Christian community. Mr. Ribeiro implied that
these efforts could be part of a broader agenda to create a “saffronised Pakistan” in
India.
Response to Mr Julio Ribeiro by Giriraj Pai Vernekar, Spokesperson, BJP Goa
We, at BJP Goa, wish to express our profound disappointment and concern over the
recent statements made by Mr. Julio Ribeiro. His comparisons of Bharat with
Pakistan are not only unfounded but deeply offensive to the ethos and achievements
of our great nation.
Let me categorically state that I have the highest regards for Mr. Ribeiro and his
contributions to the country as a cop. However, his comments on political issues
have always been deeply biassed and devoid of ground realities. Using a word like
“saffronised Pakistan” shows his deep hatred and frustration at having a Government
in power that possibly does not conform to his ideology. But to demean the country in
an attempt to belittle the Government is unbecoming of a former cop. Mr. Ribeiro has
unfortunately made several statements in the past that are devoid of truth and deeply
divisive. He once wrote an article titled ‘As a Christian, suddenly I am a stranger in
my own country,’ which also showed his deep political bias. We can speculate that
these comments are aimed at increasing the sales of his book, but promoting a
personal agenda should never involve making divisive statements or derogatory
comparisons between India and a failed rogue state like Pakistan.
Mr. Ribeiro has spoken about the fear of people being targeted based on complaints,
with or without proof. This echoes the dark period of the Goa Inquisition, a historical
episode where the majority suffered greatly under such practices. So, to insinuate
that this could happen in today’s India, a robust democracy, shows why Mr. Ribeiro
may be better served not to comment on such issues unless he is peddling an
agenda of various divisive forces like Soros, operating to destabilise India and its
growing stature in the world.
India, under its current government led by PM Shri Narendra Modi, has been
steadfast in its commitment to ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,’ ensuring the welfare of
all its citizens, including minorities. The nation has seen significant strides in various
sectors, benefiting citizens from all walks of life, irrespective of their religious or
ethnic backgrounds. The comparison of India’s democratic governance with
Pakistan’s record on humanitarian issues and treatment of minorities is not only
inappropriate but also deeply disrespectful.
We urge Mr. Ribeiro and others to consider the facts and engage in a dialogue that is
based on truth and constructive criticism. Misplaced and unfounded rhetoric only
serves to divide and weaken the fabric of our society.
In conclusion, India is a democratic country committed to justice for all and
appeasement of none. No matter what narrative Mr. Ribeiro or others try to spin,
India will remain a nation dedicated to equality, justice, and the upliftment of every
citizen.
Note : Minority Population in Pakistan has shrunk from 23% at the time of
Independence to less than 5% today. In stark contract, minority population in India
has increased from 16% at the time of Independence to over 21% till the last cencus
