The Chennai-based Islamic Forum for the Promotion of Moderate Thought has welcomed the safe return of Wing Commander Abhinandan. In a statement issued today, the forum’s Secretary General A. Faizur Rahman, complimented Indian diplomacy for securing the release of one of India’s bravest sons who won universal acclaim by displaying unflinching courage and equanimity in the face of extreme danger during and after his unfortunate capture by Pakistan.Referring to the “perceptive speech” of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj at the OIC today, Rahman said: “Ms. Swaraj has correctly quoted the Quran to point out that God created ‘nations and tribes’ not to hate one another but to get mutually acquainted through positive collaboration. Unfortunately, Pakistan seems to have forgotten this Quranic teaching despite having Islam as its state religion.”

It has allowed extremist outfits that misrepresent Islam through their mindless violence to flourish on its territory. Therefore, how can Imran Khan successfully wage a war on poverty and illiteracy in his country, as he wants to, without neutralising these outfits, Rahman asked.He pointed out that experts worldwide have been professing that the secret to conflict resolution and peace is not war but winning the hearts and minds of people through confidence-building measures and mutual cooperation.This fact, Rahman said, stood emphasised in Swaraj’s statement at the OIC when she pointed out that “We have worked together, to fashion global institutions, into representative platforms, defined not by the interests of a few, but the voice of all sections of humanity… And, with many nations here, India has forged deep bonds of friendship and close partnerships.”