sabhi ka khoon shaamil hai

“Sabhi ka khoon shaamil hai yahaan ki mitti mein, kisi ke baap ka Hindustan thodi hai?”

“Everyone’s blood is mingled in this Earth, Hindustan is no one’s property.” — Rahat Indori

. . .

I am an Indian-Muslim and I wholeheartedly condemn the ongoing persecution of my people, the Sikh community, ethnoreligious minorities, the occupation of Kashmir, and the fascist government that actively facilitates and allows for these atrocities to continue.

I condemn the immoral pieces of legislation passed under Modi, namely the NRC and CAA, that profile, exploit, and create genocidal conditions for minorities, and statelessness for refugees.

I condemn the war crimes against the Kashmiri people, who deserve the totality of freedom and independence. I condemn the burgeoning relationship with the Israeli government, which makes India complicit in turning a blind eye to the occupation and genocide of Palestinians.

I condemn the abduction & imprisonment of activist Jagtar Singh Johal (Jaggi), who has been confined and tortured in the largest prison complex in India for 1000+ days with no substantial evidence to convict him of any crime. I stand with the Sikh community to demand his freedom.

I condemn the supposed “democracy” that has allowed the class divide to expand, as some hoard and exploit wealth & power while others are left to starvation and the essential inheritance of poverty.

I condemn the glorification of Gandhi, who under the guise of “peaceful activist” propaganda engaged in anti-Black racism, pedophilia, rape, sexism, casteism, anti-Semitism, anti-Sikh rhetoric and genocide, among many other injustices.

My heart is full of love for the land that my ancestors & family call home, where my own roots lie, devoid of pre-and post-colonial trauma & corrupt political influences. But I still recognize the importance of speaking up about both. Blind nationalism is meaningless.

I pray that in our lifetimes, we witness an India that is reborn and reimagined for all people. Where Kashmir is free. Where borders are merely symbolic.

“Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing.” — Arundhati Roy