India Tomorrow
NEW DELHI—Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) President Syed Sadatullah Hussaini has hoped that the political changes in Afghanistan would end the years of unrest and bloodshed in that country.
The JIH is one of the most prominent socio-cultural organizations of Indian Muslims.
In a statement released to the media, the Jamaat chief also expressed the hope that the political changes would restore peace and order and help to reinstate the rights of the Afghan people.
Twenty years ago, the overthrow of the Afghan government by a military coup, the brutal atrocities on innocent civilians by colonial and imperialist forces, the series of bombings and raids on its cities, and the constant attempts to impose the will of foreign powers on the Afghan people were a reprehensible chapter of recent history. It is gratifying to note that the perseverance and struggle of the Afghan people resulted in the withdrawal of the imperialist forces from their country.
The JIH President said that the imperialist powers should learn a lesson from this episode and forever refrain from the policy of unnecessary interference in the affairs of poor countries to further their own vested interests. Likewise, the United Nations and the international community should also learn a lesson from this and put in place a strong process to prevent the manipulation and interference of weaker nations at the hands of powerful countries.
The President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind expressed happiness and satisfaction that the transfer of power was completed peacefully without much bloodshed.
Mr. Hussaini drew the attention of the Taliban to the fact that the eyes of the whole world are now focussed on them and are closely monitoring their behaviour and actions. “Therefore, the Taliban have the opportunity to present to the world a practical example of the benevolent and merciful system of Islam. We want to draw their attention to the fact that Islam is the advocate of peace and well-being. It gives freedom of belief. The protection of the lives and property of all human beings, including minorities, is of paramount importance to Islam. Islam is also very sensitive about women’s rights. We hope that the new rulers of Afghanistan will strictly adhere to these teachings of Islam and set an example before the world of an Islamic Welfare State where everyone is free from fear and terror and lives a peaceful and prosperous life with equal opportunity to flourish and prosper. We also hope that a new government shall soon be established in Afghanistan by popular vote in the democratic and consultative spirit of Islam that represents all sections of the country and shall prove to be a source of lasting unity and stability among the Afghan people. Reports that the Taliban have announced a general amnesty, assured peace and order to Sikhs, Hindus, and other minorities, and hinted at dialogue and co-operation with all countries of the world are welcome,” the Jamaat chief said.
Commenting on Indo-Afghan relations, the JIH chief said that India and Afghanistan have a long-standing and healthy relationship. In recent years, India has also played an essential role in the development of Afghanistan. “We hope that this warmth and solid relations will continue and be further strengthened,” said Mr. Hussaini.
“We also wish to remind the Government of India of its responsibility to initiate healthy relations with the new Afghan government and play its part in building and developing Afghanistan and ensuring peace and security throughout South Asia,” the Jamaat president said.
