Indian yoga guru Ramdev has said Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan will one day “reintegrate” into India, urging people to “have a little patience”.
Ramdev made the remarks while speaking to reporters at Swami Vivekananda Airport in Chhattisgarh on Monday, Indian newspaper The Telegraph India reports.
Responding to comments by Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari about the condition of Hindus in Pakistan, Ramdev alleged that Hindus had suffered “atrocities and injustices” in Pakistan and Bangladesh. “The atrocities and injustices suffered by Hindus in Pakistan and Bangladesh are among the greatest cruelties in human civilisation,” The Telegraph quoted him as saying.
He added that those responsible for such acts should refrain from making such statements.
“The day will also come when Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan will reintegrate into India. Just have a little patience,” Ramdev said.
Turning to religious conversion and legislation enacted in Chhattisgarh to curb it, Ramdev described allegations of persecution of Hindus, Christians or Muslims as part of “political rhetoric”.
“Whatever religious changes have taken place in the country, at least ensure that no one is persecuted in future. There is no threat to Hinduism, Islam or Christianity. What is under threat is the honour and dignity of India,” he said.
Ramdev also outlined his aspirations for India, saying he wanted the country to become the world’s best democracy and its people the world’s best citizens. “I want to see the Indian economy become the best in the world, the rupee’s value at least become equal to that of the dollar and pound, and the Indian passport become so strong that Indians do not need visas anywhere in the world,” he said. Ramdev added that he wanted India to command equal respect in countries around the world, including the US and China.
