Talking to media at journalists Iftar-get together held here at the JIH HQRS, JIH President Syed Sadatullah Husaini said that efforts are being made to establish law and order in these areas in collaboration with the civil society and leaders of different religions. He further said that JIH leaders were trying to communicate with state officials and the police to press for effective action. He informed that he along with other leaders of the prominent Muslim organizations visited the riots hit Karauli in Rajasthan to meet the victims and assess the losses and restore peace and confidence among the residents. “We have met senior government officials including DM and SP and urged them to take the necessary measures to restore normalcy in the violence hit areas and take action against those who perpetrated the violence. We came to the conclusion after talking to people of other religions that a large number of outsiders along with local people participated in the procession,” he added.
The JIH President also informed that a delegation is on Madhya Pradesh’s visit to ascertain the facts and apprise the administration about the exact situation. He asserted that all efforts are being made to take legal action against the oppressors and provide legal assistance to the oppressed.
Speaking over the attitude of the states, the JIH President said, “it is extremely shameful that some state governments have completely abandoned their constitutional duty of providing safety and security for all citizens regardless of their caste, creed and religious affiliation. In fact, through their actions these state governments are trying to protect themselves as vindictive to people of a particular faith and consequently representing the interests of the majority community. Even, reports are being received from many places that the police are targeting the victims instead of taking any action against the culprits. It seems that instead of protesting the recent price rise in petrol, diesel and essential commodities, the ruling party is focused on vitiating the peaceful climate in the country. Keeping the embers of communalism burning may yield political dividends, keep their vote bank intact and divert the attention of the electorate from their dismal performance but ultimately this kind of communal politics will be ruinous to the nation and also hurt the image of the country. It also seems that the diktat of the hate mongers is being implemented and parties are now afraid to speak for Muslims, fearing a loss in their electoral prospects and angering the majority community.”
Briefing the media, JIH Vice President Prof. Salim Engineer said,“a similar modus operandi was visible in many places where processions were first taken out on the occasion of a festival. Weapons were openly displayed and provocative and disparaging slogans were made against Muslims and Islam. Attempts were also made to damage some mosques. In some places, property and shops owned by Muslims were also damaged. In many instances all this happened under the watchful eye of the police and knowledge of the local administration. The silence of the Prime Minister and the Home Minister is also bewildering. They should have spoken and intervened in such a situation. It is ultimately the responsibility of the central government to ensure that the rule of law is upheld throughout the country.” He continued, “in Madhya Pradesh, a condemnable practice has been initiated as the police and local administration have taken the role of judge, jury and executioner, going against all prescribed norms and protocols. They are demolishing the houses of the minority community who were under attack by violent mobs directly with bulldozers. The administration may try to camouflage this inhuman action under the garb of carrying out the due process of acting against alleged illegal constructions. But the import of this vindictive policy of the state is not lost on the victims and will be challenged in the judiciary. It is indeed condemnable that some political leaders known for their vitriolic speeches were invited from New Delhi to Madhya Pradesh and their incendiary speeches provoked the people and led them to commit acts of violence.”
Demanding the immediate arrest of such leaders, Prof. Salim said, “these incidents are a product of the hatred that is being spread across the country. It is also the responsibility of the central government to take notice of the situation and call upon the state governments to take timely and stern action against the elements responsible for the violence as well as the forces inciting sectarian hatred. Action should also be taken against the police officers who are biased and guilty of dereliction of duty.”
Prof. Salim appeals to the Muslim community not be instigated by any kind of provocation or fear in the current situation and continue building the country and society while adhering to the highest values of prudence, patience. “ In this blessed month of Ramadan, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind also appeals to the leaders of all political parties, religious leaders, civil society organizations and all conscientious citizens to play an active role in maintaining law and order and preventing this cycle of hatred, poisonous speech, and violence,” he added.
Apart from, JIH Vice President Maulana Mohammad Jaffar, a large number of media persons belonging to the different media outlets and houses have attended the Iftar-get together program.
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