New Delhi. A joint delegation of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind and Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind visited the violence-affected areas in Haldwani, Uttarakhand to assess the situation on the ground arising out of the short-sighted desperate attempt of the administration to order demolition of a religious place when the matter is subjudice. This was selective application of law at its worst. Subsequently, this led to the emotional outbreak of the community which was further hijacked by anti social elements to provoke police action. The delegation sought factual information on the unfolding situation. This delegation included the Vice President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Malik Moatasim Khan, General Secretary – Jamiat Ulema Hind, Maulana Hakeemuddin Qasmi, JIH Secretary Maulana Shafi Madani, Maulana Ghayyur Qasmi – Jamiat Ulema Hind and JIH Assistant Secretary Laeeq Ahmed Khan.

The delegation met the ‘SDM’ and apprised them of the situation and demanded an immediate end to arbitrary arrests, threats, and harassment of Muslim youth. Other senior officers of the police administration were also present during this meeting. The delegation expressed deep pain over the loss of innocent lives due to police firing. It urged the administration to stop politicizing the incidents of violence and ensure that vested interests do not derive political mileage from the situation. During the meeting with the SDM and senior police officers, the joint JIH-JUH delegation said that they are urging the Muslim community to exercise patience. However, now it is the responsibility of the administration not to give anyone any chance to escalate the situation. The delegation also tried to meet the DM and Commissioner. They will likely be allowed to meet them soon.

The delegation demanded the SDM to allow the delegation to visit the violence-affected areas as this would send a positive message to the community and reduce the fear and anxiety among them. The SDM said that he would permit the visit by the delegation if the situation normalizes in a couple of days. The delegation also demanded for the curfew to be relaxed as much as possible and expressed regret over the attack on the policemen and the police station. The delegation pointed out the possibility that the attackers may have included some anti-social elements, who instigated and took part in the violence to defame the Muslim community.

Some of the other important demands by the delegation to the administration include: Supply of food and essential commodities in affected areas especially for the needy and poor including daily wagers who suffered severe trauma due to the violence. Immediate announcement of ex-gratia for those who lost their lives. Allowing relief organizations to provide essential commodities and supplies as there are a huge number of poor people affected by the violence. Immediate opening of hospitals and pharmacies for the large number of wounded in the chaos and open firing.

General Secretary – Jamiat Ulema Hind, Maulana Hakeemuddin Qasmi addressing media

Vice President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Malik Moatasim Khan addressing media