A group representing Indian American Muslims has decided to withdraw its float from New York City’s annual India Day Parade due to controversy over a float they believe exhibits anti-Muslim bias. Imtiaz Siamwalla, president of the Indian Muslims of North America, notified parade organisers of their decision in a letter sent on Saturday.
The group expressed disappointment in their letter, stating their need to withdraw due to the parade’s integrity being questioned. Siamwalla mentioned that the group had planned to participate in the annual celebration along Madison Avenue, Manhattan. However, they decided to withdraw after failing to persuade the organisers to exclude the controversial float.
The contentious float, announced days before the parade, features a replica of the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, a Hindu temple built over the ruins of the 16th-century Babri mosque. Hindu nationalists destroyed the mosque in 1992, leading to riots that resulted in over 2,000 deaths. Siamwalla expressed that the group was eager to participate but saw the Ram temple replica as a symbol of anti-Muslim bias.
Shri Raam Mandir float in NYC Independence Day Parade ! M🕉🕉🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/TFMmqwBsQ5
— Vibhuti Jha 🇮🇳🇺🇸 (@VJjha) August 18, 2024
He emphasised that the political issues of India should remain within India. In the United States, he said, tolerance and inclusion should prevail. Therefore, the float should not have been included in the parade. Siamwalla recalled the 1992 mosque destruction, noting the loss of lives and property, which deeply affected the Muslim community.
The objection to the float extends beyond Indian Muslims. Ajit Sahi, advocacy director for the Indian American Muslim Council, criticised parade organisers for allowing Hindu extremist ideology to mar the celebration of independence and secularism. Sahi, a Hindu, rejected Hindu fundamentalism, stating that many Hindus in the US and India oppose the temple and its associated politics, arguing that it represents politics rather than culture or faith.
The Indian Muslims of North America float was originally intended to highlight the achievements of Muslims. According to Siamwalla, the float was to feature photos of notable Muslims in India’s history and placards with slogans like “Proud to be Indian, Proud to be Muslim,” and “Inclusion, Equality, Unity: Muslims make India stronger.” Siamwalla described the Ram Mandir as political symbolism designed to intimidate Muslims attending the parade.
He asserted that the intention was to show minorities that actions taken in India could be replicated elsewhere, labelling it as an intimidation tactic. Parade organisers have refused to remove the float, stating it commemorates the inauguration of a significant landmark for hundreds of millions of Hindus.
Other groups have also urged parade organisers to exclude the float, arguing that it politicises an event meant to celebrate Indian people rather than their politics. New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who has marched in previous years, will not participate this year. Adams criticised the float’s inclusion in an unrelated press conference last week. Adams remarked that no one should promote hate in parades, stating that any float or person doing so should be excluded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why did the Indian American Muslim group withdraw from the India Day Parade?
They withdrew due to the inclusion of a float they believe shows anti-Muslim bias.
What was the controversial float about?
The float was a replica of the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, a Hindu temple built on the ruins of a destroyed mosque.
What was the response from parade organizers about the controversial float?
Parade organizers said the float celebrates a sacred landmark significant to Hindus and rejected calls to remove it.
What did New York City Mayor Eric Adams say about the float?
Mayor Adams criticized the float’s inclusion, stating that no one should promote hate in the parade.
What was the Indian Muslims of North America’s float supposed to showcase?
Their float was designed to showcase the accomplishments of Muslims and promote inclusion, equality, and unity.