Switzerland is all set to pass a referendum into a law, via which the construction of additional minarets in the country will be prohibited. This move is expected to reduce the growth of radical Islam, as the right wig parties in the countries view the minarets as a standing symbol of militant Islam. However, there is a growing concern of a severe backlash from the Muslim community and mass public unrest. The Swiss People’s Party has long been rallying against immigration and the anti-minaret campaign was also initiated by the party.

The initial poll results have depicted a massive support for the referendum and as per the polling estimates release by gfs.bern polling institute, there has been a great deal of support for the proposed law, as the public support has increased from 37% to 59%. However, the Swiss cabinet has expressed its outrage against the initiative.

Till date, the resident Muslim community has been keeping to themselves, even after a mosque was vandalized in Geneva, as pink paint was thrown at the entrance of the mosque. The high and rich business community of Switzerland has also expressed their concerns on the current initiative against the minarets as they fear that the wealthy Muslim investors might stop their financial transactions with Switzerland, leading to frail economy.

The Swiss population is about 7.5 million of which 6% is made up by Muslims, who largely have been immigrants from the Yugoslav wars of the 1990s.

Via Associated Press.