Monthly Press Meet – July 2020 (Via Video Conferencing)

New Delhi, 25 July 2020: Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), in a “virtual” press conference, today called on Union and state governments to facilitate smooth observance of Eid al Adha and expressed serious concerns over Delhi Minorities Commission Report on Delhi riots and the state of Indian economy.

Asked about the upcoming Eid al Adha festival, JIH Vice President Muhammad Salim Engineer said: “we have written to the Principal Secretaries of all States and Union Territories of India for ensuring a smooth observance of the Muslim festival of Eid al Adha amid the Coronavirus pandemic. Jamaat has made it clear that the ‘qurbani’ (animal-sacrifice) is the most important worship on Eid al Adha days and there can be no replacement or alternative for that act of worship. The Shariah Council of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind has also issued guidelines to the Muslim community and it has been emphasized that health and hygiene norms must be followed for the sacrifice. Regarding the offering of Eid namaz (prayer), all norms of social distancing shall be followed, there will be multiple ‘jamaats’ (prayer-sessions) to reduce the size of the congregation, children and the elderly will not be allowed to join the Eid prayer and the customary intermingling and proximity for Eid greetings will be avoided. We demand that the State and Central governments should offer all possible concessions to Muslims and provide security and protection against mischievous and anti-social elements.”

On the issue of the report released by the Delhi Minorities Commission on the North East Delhi riots, Salim Engineer said: “we are highly concerned at the shocking details provided by the report. It mentions that ‘partisanship and bias on the part of the police and government have led to the abject failure of duty and of the law and order machinery in the capital of India’. The report states that the violence was ‘organized’ and had a ‘systematic pattern’. We concur with the findings of the report and support its recommendations, namely – to file a petition seeking constitution of a five-member independent committee to investigate the riots. There must be proper and prompt action for non-registration of FIRs in all cases where complaints were not converted into FIRs. The statements of victims should be recorded under Section 164 of CrPC. Protection to witnesses and victims must be provided along with review of charge sheets filed by the police. The extent of complicity or abdication of duty by the police during the violence should also be established.”

Speaking about the economy, the Jamaat Vice President said: “Experts predict that for the first time in our recent history, our GDP will actually contract. This is going to push millions of our poor, marginalized into the lap of poverty, and will nullify the fruits of decades of economic growth. Jamaat-e-Islami is dismayed by the lackluster response of the government to this unprecedented economic challenge. The Rs. 20 lakh crores Atmanirbhar package does not contain any substantial stimulus and therefore will not boost demand, which the nation desperately needs. The government seems reluctant to take up the route of direct cash transfer fearing the breach of fiscal deficit target and a negative appraisal by rating agencies. Jamaat hopes that the government will come out of its pretense of business-as-usual and launch a massive three-year plan to stimulate the economy and bring it back on track.

Issued by: Media Department, HQRS
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind