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200m of us will fight back, vows Bollywood's Naseeruddin Shah after Hindutva hate speech against Muslims

200m of us will fight back, vows Bollywood's Naseeruddin Shah after Hindutva hate speech against Muslims

Actor draws flak for his recent defence of Muslims which included a defence of the Mughals.
Updated 30 Dec, 2021

Hate speech, inciting violence and calling for a genocide are the few things that were part of a recent Hindutva conclave held in India's Haridwar where leaders of the right-wing made a call for the ethnic cleansing of Muslims in India. In an interview with The Wire, actor Naseeruddin Shah expressed the pain and anger he felt as an Indian Muslim who had to hear and see extremists plan the massacre of his community.

He mentioned in the interview that the event seems to be a "concerted attempt to make Muslims feel insecure."

"It is starting from the very top where Aurangzeb is being evoked and Mughal invaders are being invoked and the separatism seems to have become a policy for the ruling party," he said.

"The fact that there is definitely an attempt to make us scared and that is something which I have always held as a placard that we should not be scared and, funnily, being scared is one of the accusations that is thrust upon me all the time," he said.

Shah, who has starred in many Bollywood films such as A Wednesday and The Dirty Picture, received a lot of flak for his previous anti-Hindutva statements, which resulted in two of his films being pulled, he told the publication.

"It leaves you aghast when you hear things like this and I wonder if these people know what they're talking about because what they are calling for is a full scale civil war. Two hundred million of us are not going to get wiped out that easily. Two hundred million of us are going to fight back, we claim it [India] to be our motherland, we belong here and were born here, generations of our families have lived and died here and I'm certain if any such movement begins, it's going to be met with a massive resistance and a massive amount of anger," the Masoom actor said.

Shah also exclaimed over the fact that the atrocities of Mughals are being highlighted whenever a Hindutva leader wants to attack the Muslims of India. "They forget that the Mughals were people who contributed to this country and are people who've left lasting monuments, history, culture, tradition of dance, music, poetry and literature. They came here to make this their homeland and to hold Muslims in India today responsible for the so-called atrocities is nothing short of ridiculous."

He had also said that, "Mughals were well-off refugees who were here to make it their homeland. They are being blamed unnecessarily."

Shah's statement defending Mughal emperors has landed him in hot water with many Indians calling him out on Twitter. The topic of the Mughals seems to be a sensitive one in India, with many viewing them as conquerors.

The three-day event where the call for ethnic cleansing was made was organised by Hindutva leader Yati Narsinghanand in Uttarakhand's pilgrimage city of Haridwar. At the event multiple calls were made to kill minorities and attack their religious spaces.

"Like Myanmar, our police, our politicians, our army and every Hindu must pick up weapons and conduct a safayi abhiyan (clean-up). There is no other option left," Swami Prabodhanand Giri, president of the Hindu Raksha Sena, was quoted as saying by NDTV.

Comments

Naseer Dec 30, 2021 04:24pm
Like him!
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Tanvir Khan Dec 30, 2021 04:40pm
Do not be incited by thug and glutton preachers and politicians to commit the heinous crime of genocide again!
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TPA Dec 30, 2021 04:44pm
The guy is a motor mouth. No one takes him seriously.
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Fastrack Dec 30, 2021 04:51pm
Actions have repercussions. Get ready for another Pakistan.
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Zulfiqar Dec 30, 2021 04:56pm
Without the Mughals India would be 100 times more backward than it is now. Even the mighty Mughals were unable to convince Hindus to give up barbaric injustices such as cast system and leaving widowed women to rot in ashrams. Mr Shah has correctly pointed out that 200 million will fight back and will have full support of the world.
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Din Dec 30, 2021 05:02pm
He has shown his colours
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Ali Mehdi Dec 30, 2021 05:03pm
More power to the sane voice of Mr Shah. May sanity prevail in India. May there be peace for everyone. May those that create anarchy never see any success for their nefarious designs against humanity.
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Imran Dec 30, 2021 05:11pm
All Babur, Timur will be taken care.
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RAja Raman Dec 30, 2021 05:21pm
Cinematic dialogue.
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Zak Dec 30, 2021 05:24pm
Hate speech, inciting violence and calling for a genocide are the few things that were part of a recent Hindutva conclave held in India’s Haridwar where leaders of the right-wing made a call for the ethnic cleansing of Muslims in India. UN, US, UK, EU seem very quiet.
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Zak Dec 30, 2021 05:25pm
“It is starting from the very top where Aurangzeb is being evoked and Mughal invaders are being invoked and the separatism seems to have become a policy for the ruling party,” he said. One of the best Mughal leader of the world.
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Zak Dec 30, 2021 05:26pm
Two hundred million of us are not going to get wiped out that easily. Two hundred million of us are going to fight back, And you will win.
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Michael D'Souza Dec 30, 2021 05:27pm
Hope he has also listened to Owaisi speeches, but has not uttered a word against him.
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Zak Dec 30, 2021 05:29pm
Shah’s statement defending Mughal emperors has landed him in hot water with many Indians calling him out on Twitter. The topic of the Mughals seems to be a sensitive one in India, with many viewing them as conquerors. Never be apologetic, Emperor Aurangzeb was the best ruler in the world. These RSS terrorist would not dare raise their voice if he was around. That is why Indian union wont survive until 2030,courtesy of Modi the chaiwallah.
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Ismail Dec 30, 2021 05:52pm
@M.Emad, pick your choice
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Shezi Dec 30, 2021 06:06pm
They incite them, and when they fight back with Jihad,they are being labled as terrorists. What has happened to the world? Is there any limit to hypocricy?
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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Dec 30, 2021 06:12pm
He is 100 percent right.
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Jamil Soomro, New York City Dec 30, 2021 06:21pm
Naseeruddin Shah's concern over the abrupt appearance of Hindutva in India is not unfounded. He is absolutely right when he mentions the 200 Million strong Muslim population that will not allow anyone to subjugate them.
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Naseer Dec 30, 2021 06:31pm
Modi led BJP proved they only speak violence. Indian Muslims will thus be instigated to learn and speak the same language fluently. BJP is only transforming Muslims into much needed Dawood Ibrahims in every street.
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Truth be told Dec 30, 2021 06:50pm
Sir, with all due respect, how can you claim to be a Muslim when you live in an adulterous relationship with a Hindu wife without converting her into a person of the book? Same holds true for other Bollywood famous so called Muslim stars? Double dipping not paying off I guess.
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SAJID HASAN Dec 30, 2021 07:02pm
@Din What u mean now Indian PM licking the ??? of Arabs Afghans and Iranians...??
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Asif A Shah Dec 30, 2021 07:07pm
If Hindutva philosophy reigned and Hindus started riots against the Muslims. Then, it will be disastrous for India.
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Ghazanfar Dec 30, 2021 07:11pm
Why India is becoming is intolerant?
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Ghazanfar Dec 30, 2021 07:12pm
Why genocides are being preached so easily? India lost wisdom and intellect?
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MansoorK Dec 30, 2021 07:16pm
Not a peep out of these Hinduvta creatures about purported genocide of Muslims inside India, a country that came into being only in 1947 but dimvits latched on Naseeruddin Shah's out burst. BTW, he is justified and trust me two hundred millions will fight to their last breadth. So watch out before you open your mouths.
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Sayyar Khan Dec 30, 2021 07:30pm
@Fastrack I think one is enough with crook politicians and generals
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Chota Dec 30, 2021 07:31pm
Man with the guts.
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Jawwad Dec 30, 2021 07:34pm
Today the world knows India because of the Mughals.
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AHAQ Dec 30, 2021 07:53pm
Well said Mr Naseeruddin Shah
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Falcon1 Dec 30, 2021 08:35pm
Great man and actor! He is principled and speaks the truth!
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Afzaal Ansari Dec 30, 2021 08:39pm
Such intimidations are supported by the ruling Govt. and are just infatuation. Muslims in India is reality which can't b denied.
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Cye Dec 30, 2021 08:51pm
India is beautiful because of its different cultures and people. India will finish if anyone tries to destroy other.
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Masood Haider Dec 30, 2021 08:52pm
Just goes to prove that creation of Pakistan was a blessing for which every Muslim in the sub continent ought to be grateful.
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SATT Dec 30, 2021 08:57pm
So he wants to win the election ?
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Sri Dec 30, 2021 08:58pm
@Zak just like how Bamgladesh in 71?
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Sri Dec 30, 2021 08:58pm
Trying to relevant frm time to time. No one takes him seriously in bollywood, forget abt India
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Umar Dec 30, 2021 08:59pm
@Zak as always
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Mister India Dec 30, 2021 09:15pm
@Ghazanfar Because it is election time
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T-man Dec 30, 2021 09:52pm
Kudos to him for standing up for Muslims. Shame on all others who keep quiet like those of Khans in the movie industry.
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KannadaBoy Dec 30, 2021 10:05pm
request handsome PM to grant him Pakistani citizenship and ship him to Pakistan...
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Naseer Dec 30, 2021 10:23pm
@KannadaBoy if you send our favorite modi along, it's a deal
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P Dec 30, 2021 11:01pm
@Masood Haider please go to Pakistan
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Cardiac Arrest Dec 30, 2021 11:07pm
Modi will fix the ills and vandalism of the past. Modi will also normalize the right of all Indians.
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M. Emad Dec 30, 2021 11:15pm
Please don't ''fight'' ---- you are Welcome in Pakistan.
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NSG Dec 31, 2021 12:19am
Why does Pakistan not give open immigration visa to all Indian Muslims?
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Changez Khan Dec 31, 2021 12:30am
The Indian Muslims need an outspoken leader like Naseeruddin Shah who is not afraid to fight back against the Hindu extremists' disgusted threats. BJP is making the life miserable of Muslims.
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Really Dec 31, 2021 01:41am
All converted people now think they are the originals...
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Sak Dec 31, 2021 01:42am
@Sri but never merged with India.
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Pak Pashtun Dec 31, 2021 01:58am
@Zak of India, and it's a great lie against Mughals they wiped out Hindu sites, tell me then why are there more Hindus than Muslims today in India?
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Pak Pashtun Dec 31, 2021 02:03am
@KannadaBoy we would be proud to bring all Bollywood Muslims to Pakistan.
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saeed Dec 31, 2021 02:25am
Live in Muslim majority areas, establish police to protect the area and do not let anyone enter in unless they are unarmed.
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Jeet Dec 31, 2021 02:35am
Remember Spain.
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Munsif Jan Dec 31, 2021 02:37am
Right wing Hindus are inviting another prolonged rule by Muslims of the region by displaying their inability to rule themselves in a civilized way.
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ZAKaria Dec 31, 2021 02:46am
He's a useless actor.
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Munsif Jan Dec 31, 2021 02:50am
Hindus should study history more thoroughly and determine the reasons for their inability to defend themselves and repel the invaders before blaming the invaders to conquer their lands.
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Blah Dec 31, 2021 03:05am
It’s a free country. Everybody can express their view. Let them be!
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Abbtabadi Dec 31, 2021 03:10am
@Zulfiqar Please dont forget you were created by the invaders of India.
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Abbtabadi Dec 31, 2021 03:14am
@SAJID HASAN .Actually it is the other way round.
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Abbtabadi Dec 31, 2021 03:19am
@Jawwad .Lack of education Sir. You need to study outside Pakistan to know the facts.
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Not So Smart Dec 31, 2021 03:22am
@Zulfiqar . You are right. Mugals and islamic culture has made Pakistan 100 times more civilized than India
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yosuf Zafar248 Dec 31, 2021 04:12am
India is a country of Billion + people and few fanatics making statments againt other religions cannot be attributed to whole society. Well learned and respected individual like Naseerudhin Shaw should not react so severly as to start a civil war in a whole country.
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Aftab Dec 31, 2021 04:14am
75 years our rulers tried what Nasir is saying and today we are waiting for IMF help.
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Aftab Dec 31, 2021 04:15am
@Masood Haider Except Bangladesh.
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Nads Dec 31, 2021 04:29am
Guess who will land on “Go to Jail”soon
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Ghani K Dec 31, 2021 04:44am
Naseeruddin Shah is openly vocal against Hindu extremists. Whatever happened to Pseudo-Khans of Bollywood!
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Mule Thegreat Dec 31, 2021 05:37am
@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad 1100 million vs 200 million. Who wins is clear. But more advantages will be that population of india will reduce to half. And That is very good
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Fazal Karim Dec 31, 2021 05:45am
Please listen to the speech delivered by Shashi Tharoor in an England university. He proves that Mughals left a very prosperous country with a strong economy. Mr Tharoor please speak to Indian audience.
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Gamer Dec 31, 2021 05:48am
@Fastrack there are 80plus countries similar to pak and 95% of them are only hand to mouth and survive on alms from west world and add another one based on shah and yr opinion
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Faiz Dec 31, 2021 06:16am
In those days, refugees came with armies to invade other countries? Naseer bhai, keep it balanced. The Mughals brought a lot, but destroyed a much of what existed.
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Bashir Dec 31, 2021 06:37am
We should grant citizenship to such Indian Muslims. It's our responsibility. They will be able to improve our industry.
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AKL Dec 31, 2021 07:05am
He is aiming for cheap popularity. Why can't he go to Afghanistan or Pakistan.
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J Dec 31, 2021 07:08am
If Mughals were refugees, then British were peaceful businessmen, who pillaged India for 200 yrs! Good to know!
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vin Dec 31, 2021 07:42am
@Shezi No one forced him to stay in India after the partition.
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Ramesh Dec 31, 2021 07:43am
He has no credibility. Only the enemies of India listen to him!
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Modi is a fascist Dec 31, 2021 08:00am
India is going to implode soon
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A lige Dec 31, 2021 08:09am
The M people need to move to the land created for them.
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A lige Dec 31, 2021 08:13am
Old fool seeks attention. A no good actor
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Aamir Latif Dec 31, 2021 08:17am
Really shameful of what's happening in India.
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Inam Ul Haq Dec 31, 2021 08:46am
Mughals showed the bright face of India to the world.
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A lige Dec 31, 2021 09:11am
Time for this oldie to go to a place made for him. Bye
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P. Nag Dec 31, 2021 09:17am
@Zulfiqar Yes, but could you name a university built by the Mughals?
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AJ Dec 31, 2021 09:59am
@TPA better than you though.....
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Zak Dec 31, 2021 10:12am
@Umar @Zak as always Truthful.
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aditya Dec 31, 2021 10:14am
There are millions of hindus to protect our muslim brothers , he forgot to add
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Ebrahim Dec 31, 2021 10:15am
Bravo, Shah for speaking your mind. I hope the Bollywood fraternity will stand up . History has taught us appeasement brings tragedy.
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Zak Dec 31, 2021 10:37am
@Zulfiqar very well said
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Zak Dec 31, 2021 10:38am
@M. Emad Please don't ''fight'' ---- you are Welcome in Pakistan. But he cant leave his country of Awadh
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Venkata Dec 31, 2021 10:40am
@Fastrack First save your Pakistan
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Zak Dec 31, 2021 10:43am
@aditya There are millions of hindus to protect our muslim brothers , he forgot to add They too are under seige in modi's india.
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The eastern neighbor Dec 31, 2021 12:00pm
@Naseer sure ... ur country will get better
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S J Mirza Dec 31, 2021 12:01pm
The saffron hindu Nazis have exposed themselves. Muslims in India can't pretend everything is OK with a majority population out to eradicate them.
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Gary Dec 31, 2021 12:11pm
Muslims are troublemakers wherever they are.
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Anon Dec 31, 2021 02:33pm
I guess israelis are also refugees in search of a homeland then? Then why the hue and cry ?
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Hope Dec 31, 2021 07:58pm
More than 200 million are with you from across the border Nasirudin Shah. You have got back up if situation worsens.
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Agrippa - The Skeptic Jan 02, 2022 04:42am
@Jamil Soomro, New York City … and you sitting in NY can see and predict it!
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Agrippa - The Skeptic Jan 02, 2022 04:49am
@Ebrahim, hope ain’t no strategy mate!
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Agrippa - The Skeptic Jan 02, 2022 04:53am
@Pak Pashtun , … and what is stopping you?
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Agrippa - The Skeptic Jan 02, 2022 04:53am
@NSG , why doesn’t it?
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Jamil Soomro, New York City Jan 03, 2022 06:24pm
@Agrippa - The Skeptic Yes with full conviction. Do read the comment of "Hope" among these comments.
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Ghani K Jan 05, 2022 07:19pm
@M. , He is welcome in Pakistan. Would you accept him in Bangladesh?
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Ghani K Jan 05, 2022 07:21pm
A religion that sanctions caste system among its followers, how can it tolerate Muslims?
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