American Indians warns about Jihadi Omar Khalidi

We are American citizens of Indian origin concerned with a Conference taking place in MIT ‘ Group Violence, Terrorism, and Impunity – Challenges to Secularism and Rule of Law in
India: A Workshop’ (April 9-10, 2010).

We believe that this Conference is an attack on the Indian State and the Indian Constitution. One of its organisers is Omar Khalidi who is on the staff of MIT. He is also chairing
the April 10 session of the Conference.

Mr. Khalidi has written an article for Outlookindia.com titled ‘India is not a secular state’ (Jan.29,2009).

In this article he attacked the Indian Constitution and questioned the wisdom of the founding fathers of the Indian Constitution. Mr.Khalidi is also known for presenting separatist style views on various Indian institutions, which we believe are intended to create strife and division in the Indian body politic(such ascreating separate Muslim divisions in the Indian Army). He hasalso tarnished the reputation of the Indian Army in his essay ‘Khaki and ethnic violence in India’ (Dec.2009).

India is facing many enemies and it is important that the Indian state be supported by all concerned. Tarnishing the ideals of Indian secularism and even sowing discord are not friendly acts.

India is a secular democracy and proud of its credentials. Mr.Khalidi is free to express his opinions, but we have reason to believe,based on his work that he is less than friendly to the secular fabric of the country. At a time when old wounds are being healed and communities
are coming together in an attempt to tackle the genuine problems of development, poverty and illiteracy, and when the country faces imminent threats from external enemies, it is incumbent on all Indians whether abroad or inside the country to unite.

We believe that this Conference is doing the exact opposite under the guise of academic inquiry. Some participants may genuinely believe that their aims are academic, but we have reason to doubt Mr.Khalidi’s initiatives.

We request that the Indian Embassy look into this matter.

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