India Tomorrow
NEW DELHI—Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) has raised serious concern over several incidents of anti-Muslim violence in different parts of the country in the last few days that coincided with celebration of the Ram Navami festival.
Reports of violence were received from Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Goa.
JIH vice-president Prof. Muhammad Salim Engineer, in a media statement, pointed out that a common pattern was witnessed at all these places. Processions were first taken during the festival, special flags were waved in the processions, weapons including swords and knives were displayed and provocative slogans raised against Muslims and Islam.
He said that attempts were also made to damage some mosques. At some places, property and shops owned by Muslims were also damaged. Incidents of arson and looting were also reported. “All these incidents reflect the growing atmosphere of unrest and hatred in the country,” Prof. Salim pointed out.
“What is disturbing is that actions of some of the state governments make one feel that they are the government for a section of the population only while their mandate is that they should treat all the citizens fairly and impartially,” Prof. Salim commented.
“This attitude of some state governments has emboldened the miscreants. Reports are being received from many places that the police are targeting the victims instead of taking any action against the culprits. Large numbers of innocent Muslim youth are being arrested and false charges are being framed against them. In Madhya Pradesh, there are cases of extreme cruelty where people’s houses are being demolished by bulldozers,” Prof Salim said.
Prof. Salim continued, “JIH strongly condemns these incidents and believes that these incidents are a product of the hatred that are being spread across the country. Some political leaders known for their vitriolic speeches are also responsible for the violence. They should be arrested immediately. These ongoing incidents are undermining public confidence in the government and administration. It is also the responsibility of the central government to take notice of the situation and call upon the state governments to take timely and stern action against the elements responsible for the violence as well as the forces inciting sectarian hatred. Action should also be taken against the police officers who are biased and guilty of dereliction of duty.”
He said that “Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) has been working for the establishment of law and order in all these areas since day one. JIH leaders are trying to liaise with state officials and the police and press for effective action. A central delegation is also arriving in Madhya Pradesh where the situation is quite grave. Efforts are being made to establish law and order in these areas in collaboration with civil society and leaders of different religions. Efforts are being made to take legal action against the oppressors and provide legal assistance to the oppressed.”
The JIH Vice President informed the media that: “Today, the President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind held a meeting with the JIH state leadership of all the affected constituencies and reviewed the situation as well as the steps taken by JIH in these circumstances and gave necessary instructions to the state leadership as well as to the departments concerned. According to the state leadership of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, various efforts are being made to provide immediate assistance to the distressed victims, take legal action against the oppressors and rioters and establish law and order.”
Prof. Salim said that: “Jamaat-e-Islami Hind appeals to the Muslim community to continue building the country and society while adhering to the highest values of prudence, patience, and justice in the current situation in the country. Don’t be instigated by any kind of provocation or fear. Fight the situation within the law without any psychological pressure and keep trying to improve the situation in coordination with just people. Fight hatred by sharing love. These are the Islamic teachings and this is also the way of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who was a mercy to the worlds. In this blessed month, let us also take special care to offer prayers for the betterment of the situation and peace and order in the country. Jamaat-e-Islami Hind appeals to leaders of all political parties and all conscientious citizens to feel their responsibility in this situation and to play an active role in maintaining law and order and preventing this cycle of hatred, poisonous speech, and violence.”
