As conflicts continue in the Middle East, Kuomintang (RSS) on Sunday called for peace and said the war should end as soon as possible, while also backing the federal government’s response, saying its actions were in the “highest interests of the country.”Addressing a media briefing on the sidelines of the three-day Indian Parliament (ABPS) session in Panipat, RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said the Sangh wanted the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel to end quickly so that ordinary people can resume their normal lives.
‘we want world peace‘
Replying to a question on the Middle East conflict, which has entered its third week, Hosabale said the RSS’s stance was rooted in its broader world view of global peace.“We want world peace,” Hosabale said, according to news agency PTI.“Our vision is world peace. The causes of war are multifaceted. Therefore, in the context of this special conflict, we also hope that the conflict will end as soon as possible and that the lives of ordinary people can return to a state of happiness and peace as soon as possible,” he said.However, he declined to comment on the reasons behind the war.
RSS Support Center Response
Hosabale also strongly defended the Centre’s handling of the crisis, saying the government was taking all necessary steps in the national interest.“They (the Indian government) are doing this and it is in the best interest of the country. What they are doing is right,” he told reporters.The comments come as the Indian government continues to focus on the consequences of the conflict in the Middle East, which has impacted energy supplies, trade routes, aviation and Indian nationals in the region.
On the protests after Khamenei’s killing
Asked about the protests in parts of India following the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Hosabale said it was natural to express grief but any such reaction must remain peaceful and should not disrupt communal harmony.“If something like this happens, it should be done peacefully. No sect or community should be targeted,” he said.He added: “As per Indian tradition, one can become one’s enemy before one is alive, but no one remains an enemy after one’s death. So, after death, there is nothing wrong if someone expresses grief. But when this is done, it should be seen that it causes no disturbance to the peace. “
Refusing to comment on UGC controversy, talks about Muslims and Hindus
On the controversy surrounding UGC regulations that has been stayed by the Supreme Court, Hosabale said it would not be appropriate to comment on a matter that is sub judice.“When a decision is taken, after deliberations, the Sangh will comment,” he said.Replying to another question, Hosabale said RSS founder Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar did not create the organization to fight against Muslims.“When Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar founded the RSS, he did not say that the organization was formed against Muslims,” he said, as quoted by Press Trust of India (PTI).He also referred to a historical debate during British rule in the central provinces, saying a Muslim leader defended the RSS against restrictions and argued that the organization and Hedgewar were not communal.Reaffirming the long-standing stand of the RSS, Hosabale said: “We have said from the beginning that the ancestors of all Indians are Hindus.”
Message to Indians abroad
Referring to a recent event held in Hyderabad that was attended by NRIs and people of Indian origin from 71 countries, Hosabale said the Sangh urged them to also work for the welfare of the countries in which they live.“We sent a message to representatives from 71 different countries… the country where you live and eat, you should do good things for that country. Because this is the vision of Hinduism: Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the whole world is one family,” he said.“It doesn’t mean you are only with India. You have a responsibility to be with the society there,” he added.
ABPS ends amid organizational push
The three-day ABPS conference, which began on March 13 at Padi Kalyana in Panipat and was inaugurated by RSS president Mohan Bhagwat and Hosabale, and concluded on Sunday, resolved to expand organizational work, strengthen social harmony and encourage “positive forces” to participate in the national interest.Hosabale said the number of RSS Shakha has increased by nearly 6,000 in the past one year and now stands at over 88,000, while the number of places where Shakha is being held has also increased to over 55,000, PTI reported.He also said that the Sangh’s outreach activities have been extended to remote areas such as Andaman, Arunachal Pradesh, Leh and tribal areas, and a total of 96 training camps will be held next year.
