India Tomorrow
NEW DELHI—A fact-finding team of the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind that visited Ujjain, Indore, Dewas and Bhopal has found that “democracy, civil liberties, minority rights and rule of law is in danger in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh” as far as minorities, particularly Muslims, and Dalits are concerned.
The team visited these cities with a view to gathering information about several incidents of violence and mob attacks on Muslims in the last few weeks.
The team comprising JIH national vice-president Prof. Mohammad Salim Engineer, national secretary Malik Moatasim Khan, and assistant secretaries Inamurrahman Khan and Nadeem Khan met family members of the victims, members of civil society, officials of the police and district administration.
Addressing mediapersons online on Wednesday, Prof Salim said that “These incidents were not isolated crime incidents but planned. The role of administration and police was not fair. Police seemed to be working government and political pressure.”
He said that the most worrying aspect was that anyone who raised voice against the perpetrators of violence and extended support to the victims, was booked by the police in false cases.
While answering media questions, he said that the motive behind the current wave of violence appeared to create fear psychosis among Muslims.
“There seems to be a competition among the ruling elite of UP and MP as to who commits more atrocities against minorities to gain political mileage and increase their rating as champions of the majority community,” JIH leader said.
“Today, even running a business, celebrating Independence Day and raising slogans for their leaders in Madhya Pradesh is becoming an excuse for the anti-social elements to target Muslims physically, “he said.
Stating that the criminals felt emboldened and taking law in their hands because police was not taking action against them, Prof Salim said, “The role of police and the administration was not fair. They appear to be under severe political pressure and are trying to indirectly save the criminals, instead of helping the victims.”
He said that it was quite shocking to find that in some cases the victims themselves had been framed and made accused and put in jail. T
“The JIH team also found that many of Muslim youths who were demanding action against criminals and justice for victims have been charged under very serious sections of IPC and put behind bars but ordinary charges were levelled against the perpetrators of violence that enabled the latter to get bail,” Prof Salim pointed out.
“The role of the MP Home Minister was highly objectionable and against all norms of those who hold constitutional position,” he alleged.
“The team found that the victims, their families and even the Muslim community and their leaders are in the state of fear. They feel that there is very little hope that the state government and the police would do justice with them,” Prof Salim said.
“One important finding is that the due process of law is not being followed while framing serious charges such as sedition against those arrested. The guidelines of Supreme Court are being flouted when it came to subjecting the video graphic evidence to forensic examination,” said Prof Salim.
The JIH delegation consoled family members of the victims and assured them of all legal help.
They also met senior police officials in Ujjain and Indore and public representatives to express their concern over rising incidents of hate crimes.
The delegation also met community leaders, legal activists, social workers and defenders of human rights. The delegation discussed ways to extend legal aid to the victims and initiate legal action against criminals and their supporters.
Prof Salim said that the JIH will write to MP CM Shivraj Singh Chauhan to demand immediate action to halt hate-related violence, punish the perpetrators and their patrons, develop confidence and trust in the Muslim community.
In response to a question, Prof Salim expressed JIH’s support for the demands made by farmers in the recent Kisan Mahapanchayat in Muzaffarnagar.
He said, “Jamaat-e-Islami Hind appreciates the show of solidarity between the farmers who vowed not to be swayed by the forces of hatred and create a divide between communities on religious lines.”
“Eight years ago in 2013, Muzaffarnagar was the scene of some of the most brutal communal violence. The same place was now filled with fraternity, love and mutual trust between Hindus and Muslims. This is the victory of love over hate,” said Prof. Salim.
“Jamaat-e-Islami Hind appeals to all the citizens of India to unite and save it from the path of destruction that the communal forces are trying to lead the country to,” JIH leader said.
Malik Moatasim Khan said that the forces of hate had made life tough for the Muslims in MP. “Even advocates are afraid of taking cases of victims of mob lynching,”, he pointed out.
“While those involved in lynching get bail easily,” said Mr. Khan.
JIH (Women Wing) secretary Mrs Rahmatunnisa also addressed the press conference. She vehemently condemned the alleged brutal rape and murder of Sabiya Saifi who worked in the civil defence department in Delhi.
“We demand immediate arrest of the culprits and financial compensation to her family members, “she said.
News reports about family members not being satisfied with the course and speed of investigation should be verified through an impartial probe.
“It is a sad reality that despite so much rhetoric about “Beti Bachao”, we have failed to create a climate in which our girls and women feel safe and secure in their workplace and outdoors,” she stated.
