By India Tomorrow News,
Jalgaon, Maharashtra, 02 June 2014: Unity in diversity is the basis of peace and brotherhood in the country and a big source of global reputation for country and this is the spirit of constitution. Attempts to bring in Uniform Civil Code will cause disunity rather unity, said All India Muslim Personal Law Board after its national executive meet here on Sunday.
“We want to make it clear before the government that the present government is not the representative of one religion or group. Protection of rights of all citizens is its duty. It is among the fundamental constitutional rights that different groups follow their own personal laws. If any government wants to bring Uniform Civil Code it will be against the Constitution. It is not an issue of only Muslims but also of other minorities and different castes of Hindu community also. It is also an issue of tribes. Attempts to bring in Uniform Civil Code will cause disunity rather unity,” said AIMPLB in a media statement.
The AIMPLB held its meeting about a week after the Bharatiya Janata Party government was formed at the centre and Narendra Modi became Prime Minister of the country. BJP in its election manifesto for Lok Sabha election 2014 had promised to bring in Uniform Civil Code.
“Rather than getting indulged or indulging people in non-beneficial issues, the real duty of the government is to give attention on the progress of the country, alleviation of poverty and corruption and establishment of peace and justice in the country,” said the board, which is considered as the most influential umbrella body of Muslims in India.
It also told Muslims not to worry about the change of government at the centre as no government can harm their constitutional rights.
“Irrespective of the change of guard, Muslims should live their life with full identity. Our country is secular where all have got equal rights in the Constituion. Muslims too have full right to fulfil their religious, educational and social requirements. The change of ruling political dispensation won’t affect their rights,” it said.
The body asked Muslims to work for protection of the secular identity and democratic values of the country.
“We are equal citizens of this country. Our contribution in nation building is not less than any other community. The sacrifices of our forefathers in the freedom struggle of the country are unforgettable. We love this country and have decided to live and die here while maintaining our full Islamic identity and playing positive role in the progress of the country. The Constitution of this country on the basis of secularism has given equal rights to all. Therefore, as a patriotic community, it is our obligation to protect this identity of the country, try to maintain the democratic values of this nation and make it certain that the country is run according to the present Constitution. If government or a section of people take any step against this feature of the country then we should fight against it so that no group faces injustice and deprivation of their rights,” the Muslim board said.
