CONCERNS OVER MODI VISIT

CCNTV6

Some members of Trinidad and Tobago's Muslim community are raising concerns over the visit of India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.  They fear that his presence here could carry the influence of divisive ideologies, pointing to claims that he incites discrimination and violence against minority groups in India.  More from Nicole M Romany.

Transcript

00:00According to Manwar Ali, former imam and current secretary of the concerned Muslims of Trinidad and Tobago,

00:08the community is deeply concerned about what Prime Minister Moody's visit could mean for Muslims in this country.

00:15He says, they are wary of the ideologies.

00:19Mr. Moody is accused of promoting and fear that his presence may negatively impact the local Muslim community.

00:26Mr. Moody is also questioning the decision to bestow Prime Minister Moody with the order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago,

00:54the nation's highest honour.

00:56He says, such recognition should reflect shared values and moral alignment,

01:02and believes the decision warrants broader public discussion,

01:06especially given the concerns surrounding Mr. Moody's international reputation.

01:11If Moody has to come in Trinidad, why is it we, and when you check the constitution,

01:18I mean up to last year when I checked the constitution of the country for the ORTT,

01:21it's supposed to be nationals of the country, who have made certain contributions to the development and economy of the country.

01:28But you know, last night I checked out, seeing that we come in here this morning,

01:31I said, let me check this thing again, did I make a mistake?

01:34And I saw in brackets, I don't know if anybody saw it or you saw it,

01:37including non-citizens.

01:41I don't know where that come from, I can't remember it being debated.

01:44And President of the Islamic Missionaries Guild, Imtiaz Mohamed, also weighed in,

01:49saying the move appears to be more of a political handout.

01:52Yeah, but is it true that he's highly respected or is it true that he's been given these awards

01:59because the leaders from these countries feel that it's necessary to have that economic connection to India?

02:08And then, like, you know, we just say people will hand out, right?

02:12Giving this award is like a hand out.

02:15Nicole M. Romani, TV6 News.

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