New Delhi, 05 April 2014: India, the largest democratic country and its 125 crore citizens are passing through a very critical and decisive moment. It is time to decide whether we will have democracy or fascism, communal harmony or communal conflict, broadmindedness or narrow-mindedness. Even a small mistake can throw us thousands of miles from our destination.

Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, in this critical moment, wants to remind fellow citizens that vote is a trust and it should be used with utmost sense of responsibility. It should be used in the larger interests of humanity and country for protecting democracy and all inclusiveness. The Muslims, who have been given the title of the “best community” and who are burdened with being the witnesses of truth, have a special duty in this respect. Fullest care should be taken that your vote is not cast for communal forces or for those who are leaning towards them.

It is a must that only those persons are supported, who have democratic values, bear good character and are free from corruption. Only such persons can safeguard the spirit of constitution, protect human rights, strengthen democracy and promote peace and communal harmony.

It must be our endeavour that secular votes do not get divided and split, otherwise the interests of the country, minorities and weaker sections would be endangered. It is necessary that justice is done to one and all and peace and harmony is maintained. Only this can ensure progress of the country.

It is also important that awareness among youths and women is promoted and everyone uses his vote without fear so that these elections may become guarantee of a bright future for the country and its citizens. For safeguarding the future of country, defeating the communal and fascist forces it is a must.

Jamaat-e-Islami Hind is confident that, InshahAllah, the people of India, who are conscious of their responsibility, will fulfil their duty with utmost care.

The fresh wave of Arrests of Muslim Youths under concocted charges

Jamaat-e-Islami Hind views with grave concern the recent arrests of 15 to 20 educated Muslim youths in Rajasthan, Delhi etc. and the arrest of a religious cleric from Delhi airport, by some agencies under concocted charges. There appear to be political motives behind these arrests executed just on the eve of the elections. The contradictions in the charges levelled by NIA and the special cell of Delhi police can be clearly discerned. In such cases previously POTA and TADA was being used and now UAPA is being utilized. In this regard, questionable competition among government agencies also can be seen. These indiscriminate arrests give rise to the feeling that innocents are being detained and this is enabling the real culprits of terrorism to roam freely.

In most of such cases the innocents are made to languish behind bars from 3-4 years to even 14-15 years. In this process their lives and those of their families were ruined. These people were cleared of the charges by the court of law after great suffering.

It is a matter of greater concern that these arrests, serious charges and long drawn court-cases are making every Muslim a suspect. Moreover, a section of the media is engaged in spreading highly exaggerated false stories which have made it possible for the majority of citizens to view their fellow citizens with suspicion. This is a dangerous challenge for communal harmony and brotherhood and for the very future of the country. This situation is making an entire community victims of frustration and sense of insecurity. This also raises serious questions about democracy, justice and rule of law in the country.

There is only one instance, in Andhra Pradesh, of innocent accused, who were released honourably by law courts and who were given compensation for their wrongful arrests and sufferings.

Jamaat-e-Islami Hind wants to know whether there is an end to this long night of atrocities or not? The poisoning of the atmosphere of the country will come to end or not? This mist of suspension will clear or not?

Jamaat-E-Islami Hind demands that this continuous injustice must be brought to an end, the innocents should be appropriately compensated and the wrong doing officers are brought to justice and all irresponsible acts stopped forthwith.