New Delhi: The Vice President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), Prof Salim Engineer, and JIH National Secretary Shafi Madni addressed the monthly press conference at JIH headquarters. Addressing the media, Prof Salim Engineer said, “There has been a significant increase in hate crimes in the country. Some forces deliberately target Muslims to provoke them and spread unrest in the country. Sadly, anti-social elements are committing crimes without any fear, and it seems they are being supported and protected by the police and their political patrons. Hence, they neither fear punishment from the courts nor arrest. The government and law enforcement agencies should immediately act against such anti-social elements and ensure the guilty are punished.”

Speaking on the demolition of properties using bulldozers, he remarked, “This is an illegal practice that is spreading rapidly in the country. It is quite strange that most of the properties or homes being demolished belong to religious minorities, especially Muslims. This undemocratic, authoritarian, and inhumane method has been cleverly termed ‘bulldozer justice.’ Thankfully, a commendable remark from the Supreme Court bench of Justice B.R. Gavai and K.V. Viswanathan came on a petition against these illegal demolitions, and steps have been taken to stop them. The apex court stated that ‘properties cannot be demolished merely because they belong to a person accused of a crime.’ We hope the Supreme Court will issue guidelines nationwide on this matter, and all concerned authorities will strictly follow the Court’s directives.”

Discussing hate speeches, the JIH Vice President said, “In Maharashtra, a religious leader made an objectionable statement against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and a political leader from the ruling party also made provocative remarks. Such statements are made to create an atmosphere of violence and communal riots, disturbing the peace and causing emotional distress to Muslims. The courts should take suo motu notice of this, and everyone must comply with the court’s orders.”

JIH National Secretary, Shafi Madni spoke about the situation in Assam, saying, “After 28 Bengali-speaking Muslims were declared foreigners by the ‘Foreigner Tribunal,’ they were sent to detention centers. This is a blatant violation of their fundamental rights. Those declared foreigners were not even aware of the cases pending against them. The tribunal’s decision shows that the Muslim community, particularly the ‘Miyan Bengali Muslims,’ is being unfairly targeted. According to Assam NRC records, nearly two-thirds of those declared foreigners are Hindus, and one-third are Muslims. However, it seems that only Muslims are being specifically targeted. Jamaat demands the immediate release of all those detained and a halt to the Foreigner Tribunal’s decisions. Jamaat stands in solidarity with those affected by the misuse of NRC and is ready to offer all possible legal and moral assistance to them. We expect civil society and the media to make concerted efforts to raise awareness among the public about this sensitive issue. We call on the government to immediately review the situation and ensure that no one is wrongfully declared a foreigner. It is the government’s responsibility to protect the dignity and rights of all citizens.”