[Reader-list] 'US feels India has 180m Muslims'

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If the US says it, it must be true.
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'US feels India has 180m Muslims'
TNN | Sep 4, 2011, 01.23AM IST

The US views on ‘Indian Islam’ and its interpretation had found place
in one of its diplomatic cable, leaked by WikiLeaks.

NEW DELHI: The United States believes that there are many more Muslims
who live in India than is being officially stated here through census,
and 'Islam' here presents a series of dichotomies like most issues
affecting the world's largest democracy.

The US views on 'Indian Islam' and its interpretation had found place
in one of its diplomatic cable, leaked by WikiLeaks.

Referring to various 'contacts' in India, the cable says that most of
them believe that the official figure ( Census 2001) of over 138
million Muslims in India is "under representative" as actual number is
"substantially higher" - closer to 160 to 180 million.

Taking sympathetic views of Indian Muslims for their 'liberal'
approach, the cable, originated from American embassy in New Delhi in
February last year, says that majority of the Muslims live in a very
poor condition despite some of the millionaires from the community,
like Azim Premji, influence Indian market.

It says: "Iconic celebrities such as Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan
attract legions of fans, while millions of Muslims languish in
poverty. Since Independence, three Muslims have been appointed as
President, but Muslims are grossly under-represented in Parliament and
other elected bodies".

The US embassy cable also refers to the Rajinder Sachar Committee
report which in 2006 revealed that Muslims in general fare worse in
economic terms than India's Dalits. "These seeming contradictions
reflect overall socioeconomic trends in India: a tiny percentage of
Muslims thrive, while the vast majority struggles to support
themselves".

The cable, however, noted that Indian Muslims are eager to catch up to
their compatriots. "Their Sufi heritage, promoting pluralism and
tolerance, should leave them well-equipped to compete in secular
India. However, lingering resentment from the partition and external
influences threaten to divide the community".

US diplomats in their dispatch to Washington also noted in details the
composition of Shias and Sunni and existence of tension between two
Sunni movements - Barelvi and Deobandi - rooted in differences in
ideology, wealth, education and views on reforms. On political front,
the dispatch says that Shia and Barelvi leaders have, of late,
discussed forming a political alliance to counter Deoband and the
increasing influence of Wahabism. The alliance would balance each
group's strength: Barelvis have the numbers and Shias have a higher
level of education and more contact with the Indian elite.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/US-feels-India-has-180m-Muslims/articleshow/9853345.cms