Eminent historian Irfan Habib equates RSS with ISIS; ridiculed over social media

Published: Monday, November 2, 2015, 12:39 [IST]

New Delhi, Nov 2: Eminent historian and Irfan Habib triggered a fresh controversy after comparing the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) with the dreaded terror group ISIS.

Addressing a convention organized by agitating intellectuals, who are miffed with the reports of growing religious intolerance, Habib equated the right wing outfit with the terror Islamic State.

"Intellectually, there is not much difference between RSS and ISIS," he was quoted as saying.

Writers, historians, poets, filmmakers are protesting against escalating intolerance in the country ever since the BJP-led government came to power.

[FM Arun Jaitley says Left intellectuals practising intolerance against BJP, PM Modi]

Habib alleged that the Modi Government at Centre is providing a free-hand to its ideological affiliates to spread a reign of saffron terror. The Left intellectual also called the Modi regime more communal than the earstwhile NDA Government under Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Taking strong exception to his comments several intellectuals, including famous journalists, ridiculed Habib for his insensitive comparison.

Here are some tweets: