New Delhi, 20 Sep 2014: Mutual understanding, dialogue and co-operation are the significant ways to establish communal harmony in our plural society. In order to achieve this objective, we will have to create an open atmosphere for freedom of religion. And we must stand against British-colonial-policy ‘divide and rule’ collectively. These views were expressed by Maulana Syed Jalaluddin Umri, Amir (National President) of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, while presiding over a symposium held by the Delhi and Haryana zone of the Jamaat.

The daylong symposium entitled “Communal Amity – Need of the Hour” was held at Rajendra Bhavan in New Delhi on 20^th September. In the symposium, speakers belonging to different religions expressed their views on the topic.

The symposium started with the inaugural words of Abdul Waheed, Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Halqa (Delhi and Haryana). He described the necessity and objectives of the program. He added that all humans are brothers and sisters. Adam and Eve are parents of whole human being. So, we should live as a family.

Giyani Ranjit Singh, chief preacher of Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi, expressed concern over the bleeding, riot, and massacre on the name of religion. He said that generally we say that religion does not teach to have hostility with each other. Then, why bleeding on the name of religion? This is high time of self-introspection and to evaluate the massages that we propagate on the name of religion. The situation is that as much as we tried to cure, the disease increased.

Mohammad Salim Engineer, National secretary of Jamaat, criticized the Narendra Modi-led government for failure in controlling of communal atmosphere. He said that the government could not respect the result of recent Lok Sabha election and its agenda of inclusive development. So, the result of by-polls came out against their hate politics. He added that majority of the people are against this communal elements and hate politics. But, they are not united. So, we should have a common platform to fight against communal power. Jamaat-e-Islami Hind is preparing a long-term plan in this regard.

S.Q.R. Ilyas, general secretary of Welfare Party of Indian, explained the factors that are playing crucial role in communal riot. He said that communalism did not exist before the entry of British imperialism. It is the British colonialists who assumed the policy of ‘divide and rule’. In order to enforce this policy, they tried to present historical fact in unfavorable context. He added that Mainstream and social media are playing dangerous role to divide the society. Irresponsibility of media is a big danger for a democratic country.