Shia Cleric Maulana Yasoob Abbas Rejects Israeli PM Netanyahu Claim of Indian Support
On Thursday, senior Shia cleric and speaker of the All India Shia Personal Law Board (AISPLB) Maulana Yasoob Abbas criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Mumbai, rejecting Netanyahu's claim that he enjoys the support of India's 1.4 billion people. Abbas described the assertion as "misconceived" and stated that it does not reflect the sentiments of the Indian public.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Abbas asserted that the people of India have historically stood for justice, humanity, and peace. He stated that Indians could never support anyone accused of committing atrocities against innocent civilians.
"It is Netanyahu's misconception that 1.4 billion Indians support him. The justice-loving people of India can never stand with an oppressor because humanity resides in the hearts of this country's people," Abbas said.
The cleric further alleged that a leader accused of the deaths of thousands of innocent children, women, and civilians cannot expect the support of the Indian public. He noted that India’s cultural ethos has always upheld justice, compassion, and opposition to oppression in all forms.
Abbas remarked that supporting Netanyahu was akin to "supporting evil." He drew a comparison with the symbolic burning of Ravana during Dussehra as a traditional rejection of tyranny. According to Abbas, Indians have historically stood with the oppressed and will continue to raise their voices in favor of humanity, peace, and justice.
Additionally, Abbas expressed support for Iran’s leadership and those defending the oppressed. He praised Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, for sacrifices made in the struggle against oppression, asserting that resistance against injustice is preferable to surrender.
Abbas also claimed that more than 100 countries were represented at Khamenei's funeral and that millions attended the funeral prayers, describing it as a demonstration of global respect for the Iranian leader.
