Late Swami Agnivesh with Jamaat and other religious leaders in an Eid Get-together held last year.

New Delhi, 12 Sept. 2020: Syed Sadatullah Husaini, President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), has expressed his deepest condolences over the demise of renowned human rights activist Swami Agnivesh.

In his condolences message, the JIH President has said, “Swami Agnivesh has always played a significant role in safeguarding democratic values, strengthening communal harmony and fighting communal forces in the country. Besides, he has been active throughout his life, fighting for the rights of bonded laborers, campaigning against child labour and drugs, and defending the human rights.” Mr. Husaini has further said that we have lost a sincere old friend with his demise.

Remembering his contributions, the JIH chief said, “Swamiji has been an important part of various campaigns for the last 30 years with us and justice-loving people of the country. After the demolition of the Babri Masjid, leaders of different religions formed the ‘Dharmik Jan Morcha’. Jamaat-e-Islami Hind and its leaders were also part of the Morcha and Swami Agnivesh was also actively involved, representing the Arya Samaj. In the same period, Forum for Democracy and Communal Amity (FDCA) was also formed. He was one of the founders of the forum. The purpose of the FDCA is to promote democratic values in the country.”

Referring to his personal relations with Swamiji, the Jamaat President said that 18 years ago, he was part of a delegation with Swamiji that visited Gujarat for several days to restore law and order after the riots. He said, “after that, Swamiji continued to be with us in various meetings, conferences and campaigns and actively cooperated with us everywhere in the struggle for fostering communal harmony and restoring law and order and eliminating certain moral evils.”

“He was subjected not only to verbal opposition by the communal elements but also physical attacks and violence. But till last, he stood firm on his principles and was always concerned about the growing communal hatred and fascist tendencies in the country,” the Jamaat President added.

Expressing condolences, Mr. Husaini said, “his demise is a significant loss to the country and to all of us. We share the grief with his relatives, students and colleagues in this sad hour.”