The issue of extradition of controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik has once again come into focus during Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's three-day visit to India. PM Ibrahim has indicated that if the Indian government provides concrete evidence against Zakir Naik, his government may consider an extradition request.
BJP's comment
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has said that the demand for Zakir Naik's extradition has been made keeping in mind Indian interests. The party's national spokesperson Prem Shukla said that Zakir Naik's name is associated with terrorism and terrorists around the world. He said that many terrorists, who have been caught in other countries, have admitted that they were influenced by Naik's teachings. Many cases are going on against Zakir Naik in India and the demand to bring him to India is being made in view of Indian security and interests.
Foreign Ministry's reply
The issue of Zakir Naik's extradition came up during the Malaysian Prime Minister's visit to India. When the Ministry of External Affairs was asked about the issue after the crucial meeting between the top leaders of the two countries on Tuesday, the ministry's secretary (east) Jaideep Mazumdar did not give a direct answer. However, he said that all important issues have been discussed.
Allegations against Zakir Naik
Zakir Naik is a controversial Islamic preacher accused of money laundering and spreading religious extremism through hate speeches. He left India in 2016 and has been wanted in India for a long time.
Statement by Malaysian PM
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said during a session at the Indian Council of World Affairs in Delhi that the issue of Zakir Naik's extradition should not create any hindrance in bilateral relations between the two countries. He said that the Indian side did not raise the issue of Zakir Naik during Tuesday's talks.
The previous Malaysian government had allowed Zakir Naik to have permanent residence in Malaysia. PM Ibrahim said, "If the Indian side raises the issue and provides evidence, our government is ready to consider it." The issue of Zakir Naik's extradition is still playing an important role in the relations between the two countries. The Malaysian government has made it clear that if India provides concrete evidence, it will be considered. But at the moment, there is no concrete agreement between the two countries on this issue.
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