The mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai Attack, Hafiz Saeed ‘s defender-chief, Hamza Ali Abbasi’s Movie, is to be released in Bharat soon. As India struggles against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, the upcoming release of a controversial Pakistani movie ‘The Legend of Maula Jatt’ is both shocking and infuriating. You may wonder why this is a cause of alarm! Well, giving access to Indian audiences to Hamza Ali Abbasi and his ideology is a dangerous game!
Pakistani actor Hamza Ali Abbasi who is a vocal supporter of terrorist Hafiz Saeed. And a film starrign him in a lead role is set to hit Indian theaters on 2nd October 2024. This upcoming release raises grave questions. How can a country like India allow terrorist sympathizers screen time? Why are defenders of terrorism allowed to make a profit on Indian soil? Let’s explore!
Who Is Hafiz Saeed A Bad? The Mastermind Behind 26/11
Hafiz Saeed is a name that evokes horror and fury across India. The mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks, Saeed is responsible for orchestrating a brutal act of terrorism that killed 166 innocent people. His terrorist organization, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), was responsible for these coordinated attacks. They targeted the Taj Hotel Group’s Taj Mahal Hotel, Oberoi Trident Hotel, Cama Hospital, the Mumbai CST train station, Leopold Cafe, and the Chabad House. Additionally, taxis and Jewish community centers were attacked by the LeT in the 3-day of terrorism unleashed in Bharat.
In 2018, Pakistan’s former PM Nawaz Sharif admitted to Pakistan’s role in this terror attack.
However, the Pakistani media and international organizations disbelieve this admission and continue to deny Hafiz Saeed’s involvement. Thankfully, international bodies, including the United Nations, have designated him as a global terrorist. This terrorist faces sanctions and is supposedly serving a 31-year prison sentence in Pakistan. A while back, news surfaced that Unknown Men had poisoned Hafiz, leaving him fighting for life in an ICU! Unfortunately, despite sanctions and arrests, Hafiz Saeed enjoys protection and popularity in Pakistan, particularly among extremists.
Hamza Ali Abbasi: Pakistani Lead Actor And Mega-Fan Of Hafiz Saeed
Pakistani actor-cum-radical Hamza Ali Abbasi is a die-hard fan and supporter of Saeed. He publicly praises Hafiz Saeed and defends him vocally on accusations of terrorism. He calls this terrorist a “true patriot” and attempts to whitewash his crimes against India.
Hamza Ali Abbasi’s movie ‘The Legend of Maula Jatt’ has grossed 100 crores. It was released in Pakistan in 2022. Its India release was scheduled for December 2022. Thankfully, public pressure ensured this anti-India actor’s movie did not see the light of day in Bharat. However, after 2-years, Maula Jatt’s India release has been rescheduled. The lure of the Indian market and probable profits is making cinema owners greedy. However, allowing the film to be released in India is akin to spitting in the face of the victims of 26/11 and their families.
Why Should This Pakistani Movie Be Banned in India?
- Promotion of Extremism: Hamza Ali Abbasi’s unwavering support for Hafiz Saeed is not just a political stance. It’s a blatant endorsement of terrorism. By allowing his film to be shown in Indian cinemas, we risk normalizing the views of a man who glorifies a mass murderer and terrorist. This could have disastrous social consequences, especially among younger audiences who might begin to see such figures as heroes rather than villains.
- Pakistan’s Continued Sponsorship of Terror: Pakistan’s role in funding and training terrorists who operate against India is well-documented. From Pulwama to the ongoing insurgency in J&K, Pakistan continues to harbor anti-India elements. While India has banned numerous Pakistani films, it’s ironic that a movie starring an actor with a deep love for a known terrorist is being released here. Thus, by allowing the screening of this movie is Bharat indirectly funding the very networks that aim to destroy us?
- Distortion of History and Ideology: Hamza Ali Abbasi is an ardent supporter of the Two-Nation Theory, which formed the basis of Pakistan’s creation. He frequently claims that Muslims and Hindus cannot coexist. Additionally, he peddles his divisive rhetoric within India using the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), etc. Therefore, allowing him a platform in India allows him to extend his reach to Indian audiences. Thereafter, it is a but short and ugly slide into strengthening his ability to erode the secular fabric of Bharat.
What If Indian Muslims Follow Hamza Abbasi’s Path Of Idolizing Terrorists?!
Once, Hamza Ali Abbasi was confronted with a video of Hafiz Saeed peddling hate against the Ahmadi sect of Pakistan.
Check how the actor had tried shielding the 26/11 mastermind and justifying the discrimination. (5/n) pic.twitter.com/IpG271QSiw
— Dibakar Dutta (দিবাকর দত্ত) (@dibakardutta_) December 23, 2022
The release of ‘The Legend of Maula Jatt’ film could set a dangerous precedent. Indian Muslims are repeatedly fed an anti-India agenda using Islamophobia as an excuse! Thus, the community historically produces ‘peacefuls’ despite being a part of Bharat’s pluralistic and secular culture. In such conditions, what will happen when they start idolizing Hamza Abbasi? Will they also glorify figures like Hafiz Saeed?
a role model like Hamza Abbasi of the silver screen could escalate the radicalization of Muslims into ‘peacefuls’ in Bharat!
Many Indian Muslims who once viewed extremists and terrorists as bad examples, could become Hamza’s followers online and on the ground. Thereby, becoming symbols of resistance against the Indian state itself. This not only threatens communal harmony but also risks radicalizing the youth.
If young Indian Muslims witness the normalization of the ‘terrorists are patriotic heroes’ mindset, it would weaken the national fabric. It could lead to increased polarization, with violent factions gaining ground within Bharat. The consequences would be catastrophic – more internal strife, more attacks, and a deepening of the divide between communities. Allowing access to those who glorify terrorists could very well lead to homegrown radicalization, something India has been fortunate to contain so far.
Consequences for the Future of Bharat
Allowing ‘The Legend of Maula Jatt’ movie to release in India can be viewed as more than just distasteful. Its actor’s ideology is nothing short of a security threat. Not only would it disrespect the memory of those who lost their lives in 26/11, but it also sends a message that India is soft on terrorism.
If we allow terrorist sympathizers to profit from our film industry, what’s next? A movie on Masood Azhar?
Therefore, the public of India must take a firm stand once more. Bharat cannot afford to let art be used as a tool for terrorism. ‘The Legend of Maula Jatt’ may be a cinematic success in Pakistan, but its actor must pay for glorifying anti-India terrorists like Hafiz Saeed in India. The movie should be banned in Indian theaters. To do otherwise would be a betrayal of everything Bharat stands for – justice, peace, and unity.
Hence, the Indian release of this movie is not just about cinema; it’s about the soul of Bharat. Allowing a film that features a terrorist sympathizer like Hamza Ali Abbasi sends the wrong message, not only to the world but to our citizens. Indians must protest the upcoming release of this film to ensure that terrorism glorifiers are never allowed to mint money in Indian markets!