Dialogue and trade with Pakistan should continue; however, if another Pulwama happens, India must respond: Dattatreya Hosabale, RSS General Secretary

New Delhi – India and Pakistan share long-standing cultural ties and were once a single nation. If Pakistan carries out an act similar to the Pulwama attack, India will have to respond according to the situation in order to safeguard the country’s security and honour; however, at the same time, the doors for dialogue should not be closed. We should always remain prepared for talks. Trade and commerce, as well as the issuance of visas, should not be stopped because at least one window for dialogue must always remain open. Academicians, sportspersons, scientists and others from Pakistan should come forward, because hatred towards India has developed within their political and military leadership, said Dattatreya Hosabale, General Secretary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, in an interview to the news agency Press Trust of India.

Points raised by Hosabale

1. Udhayanidhi Stalin has made a statement about eliminating Sanatan; however, Sanatan is eternal. Merely because someone says it should be destroyed does not mean it will cease to exist.

2. The ongoing conflict in the Gulf countries is not a clash of civilisations, but a dispute arising out of oil and resources. Most wars in the world arise from greed, arrogance and the mentality of controlling others. Wars have occurred in every era throughout history, and conflicts over water are also being predicted in the future. Wars will not destroy humanity, but they will certainly transform human life and systems.

3. Whether there is a war-like situation or not, simplicity and restraint should always be part of the Indian way of life. This becomes even more important during times of crisis. India can play an important role in conveying a message of peace and wisdom to nations and leaders across the world.

We are not creating a Hindu Rashtra; India is already a Hindu Rashtra

We are not creating a Hindu Rashtra; India has always been a Hindu Rashtra. It was a Hindu Rashtra even during British rule. The meaning of Hindu Rashtra is connected with cultural identity, not with a religious State. Religious conversion does not change one’s nationality. When nationality is one, we do not consider anyone separate. Muslims are not treated as second-class citizens in India. The benefits of government schemes are reaching everyone, and the RSS is continuously engaging in dialogue with leaders of minority communities.

‘Love Jihad’ is a conspiracy

‘Love Jihad’ occurs when there is an ulterior motive. There exists a well-planned conspiracy to lure away Hindu girls. When it is one-sided, it is not love; it is a conspiracy.

General Secretary Hosabale