The pressing need for committed political weight and constant vigilance for protection of minority rights and social justice can never be over-emphasised, Indian Union Muslim League president G.M. Banatwala said while inaugurating the State conference of the Muslim Youth League in Kozhikode .
“Nation-building with communal harmony, peaceful co-existence and social justice to all is the call of the time,” he emphasised.
He observed that Muslims had not only participated but played a leading role in the independence struggle, ‘with Himalayan sacrifice’.
Referring to the sacrifice made by Kerala Muslims, he said, “Hundreds of years ago, the Ulema and the people faced bravely the might of the Portugal imperialism and laid the foundation of the later struggle against the British. Kerala sacrifices, too, along with all, were immense.”
Banatwala pointed out that Muslims and other minorities are facing grave threats to security. A spate of riots recently flared up in several States, including U.P., Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and others. There have been a large number of extra-judicial killings, through custodial deaths and fake police encounters in Gujarat, Maharashtra and other States.
“Extra-judicial killings have been institutionalised under State administration,” he alleged adding, “As such firm action be taken, not only against errant police officials but also the responsible government heads concerned. Though law and order is a State subject, the Centre cannot be a mere silent spectator and firm measures be taken for the security of the minorities.”