02 Jan, Kolkata: The President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), West Bengal (WB), Maulana Abdur Rafique has condemned the UP government for atrocities against its own citizens. Addressing a press conference organized by Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (West Bengal) on 01 January at the Kolkata Press Club, the JIH WB President said: “It is a shame that the Central and UP State government are showing sympathy towards the foreigners of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh and killing their own citizens. Can the UP government return the lives of those innocent protesters?”

It was revealed in the press meet that “Maulana Sirajul Hoque” was shot dead by the UP police on 24 December and they were able to rescue his dead body on the 28th December with the cooperation of the West Bengal government machinery. The uncle and elder brother of Maulana Sirajul Hoque were also present to testify before the 70 odd gathering of media crew and members of civil society. Other speakers condemned the UP CM and the Prime Minister for atrocities on minorities. Everybody equated the present situation of UP with the genocide carried out by Israel on the Palestinians. Poet and prominent singer and novelist, Protul Mukherjee expressed hope saying: “We are facing sorrow but are also gathering courage and Indians are coming close to each other, through which shall emerge the true spirit of India.” Prosun Bhoumik another prominent poet proposed to organize a protest programme at UP Bhavan in every state of India. Buddhist monk – Arunjyoti Viku said, “Modi government is tactically isolating the Muslim community by including other communities with the Hindus. But we don’t want to be with them only, it is not Indian spirit. Irrespective of caste and creed, we want to live with each other- we are all brothers.” Sikh leader, Bachchan Singh Saral said that “Avoiding one community in the Citizenship Act is nothing but a move to divide Indians.” The press meet was also addressed by Partho Sengupto, Secretary Bishhokos Parisad.