The five-day session of the Central Advisory Council (CAC) of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, held at JIH headquarters in New Delhi from April 16 to April 20, deliberated on its annul agenda and adopted the following resolutions on the current situation:
1) Rising Prices
The CAC expressed its grave concern on the alarming rise in prices, especially of essential commodities. In the view of CAC this is due to the faulty economic policies of the Government and also due to insufficient and half-hearted measures to control the price rise. The pressure of the imperialist capitalism, trade based on speculation, and hoarding are the main causes which should be countered to control the price rise.
The CAC demanded a comprehensive reorientation of economic policies in tune with the welfare of the people. The state should not succumb to the pressure of multinationals, the World Bank or IMF. The government should curb wastage of public money by ministers and officials. Those taxes which contribute to price rise should be avoided. The CAC is apprehensive that if not controlled effectively, the price rise may lead to widespread unrest.
2) Women Reservation Bill
The present form of the Women Reservation Bill, as passed in the Rajya Sabha is not acceptable. The apprehension of Muslims and other underrepresented sections is correct that the bill in its present form will lead to further decrease in their representation in legislative bodies. The CAC regards the demand of sub-quota for these sections as a necessary competent of the envisaged reservation, and supports the introduction of such a quota.
3) Clash of Naxals and the state machinery
The grave situation of widespread clash of the Naxalites with the state machinery constitutes a grave challenge to the country. The measures adopted by the government i.e. Operation Green-Hunt and Salwa Judam are not the proper way to deal with the situation; rather the root causes should be identified. The state policies are the major reason for the popular unrest. The large scale operations of foreign companies, introduction of SEZ and allotment of Adivasis land to them are the causes of public apprehension. Hence the state
a) Should take appropriate steps to remove the tribal apprehensions;
b) Should make public the details of MoUs signed with foreign companies.
c) Should recognise people’s right to their land and
d) Should not adopt blatantly illegal measures like Salwa Judam. It should not violate human rights.
e) Should let human rights groups freely work in the affected areas.
The CAC exhorts the Maoists to recognise the futility of violent means; they are not permissible. Instead they should adopt the path of peaceful mass struggle, including negotiations.
4. Ranganath Misra Commission
The recommendations of Ranganath Misra Commission, which suggests 10% reservation for Muslims and 5% for other minorities, should be accepted. The alternative suggestions of providing a sub-quota, within OBC quota, is not acceptable. The Sachar Report clearly demonstrates that Muslims have lagged. Hence the Misra Commission’s proposal under Article 15(14) and 16(4) is a necessary one. Doing this, the government will serve the ends of justice. The CAC also demands the implementation of other measures suggested by Ranganath Misra Commission.
5. Communal Violence Bill
The Bill in its present form fails to meet its objectives. Without proper safeguards, more powers to police and administration would be harmful to the weaker sections. The CAC demands a reorientation of the bill after consultation with Muslims, Sikhs, Christians and other affected sections. Police should be made accountable. If the administration is unable to control riots, it should be held responsible. Relief and compensation should be even-handed. Anti-riots force with proper representation of all sections should be formed. Otherwise the bill will be unacceptable.
6. Security
Government apprehension regarding security notwithstanding, the measures adopted by it are themselves a cause of misgiving. The American and Israeli agencies’ role is getting murkier; they obviously love their own interest. Harassment of common people is increasing as they are subjected to multiple checkings through sophisticated gadgets. The taxpayers’ money is spent on such gimmicks. The concerned ministry should adopt a realistic approach which relies on its own resources. It should involve the citizens and should improve its own system, rather than rely on foreign agencies, in a sector as sensitive as security.
7. Indo-Pak Relations
In spite of diplomatic and other ties, the relations between the two neighbours are unusually tense; especially after 2008 Mumbai incident. The Indian government regards the groups in Pakistan responsible for disrupting acts while Pakistan itself is facing terror activities. The Bangalore incident was simultaneous with blasts in Pakistan. The situation of the two countries is thus similar. Hence, they should cooperate to tackle the problem. Growing tensions are not in the interest of any of the two neighbours. The CAC appeals to both officials and public figures to improve relations and adopt formal as well as informal channels. To usher in peace and progress and to counter imperialism, co-existence in their region is indispensible.
8. Sanctions Against Iran
Iran has reiterated that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes. Even then the USA and allies insist on imposing sanctions against it, get a gain. This is manifesting unjust. The Tehran conference clearly demonstrated Iran’s willingness to respect the world opinion; the conference was attended by representation of 60 countries including China, Russia and India. The independent countries including India oppose any sections or other measures against Iran. The group of four countries (China, Russia, India and Brazil) has rejected military action against Iran. A negotiation is the only way out of the problem, if any. The CAC supports this stance. America and its allies intend to weaken an independent and self respecting Muslim country, as part of their ill concerned “war on terror”. In that name, they are out to malign Islam and the Muslim community. The CAC strongly condemns this biased attitude. It appeals to the government of India to use its good offices and persuade the USA to desist from adventurous measures. The CAC appeals to UNO Secretary General not to let the UN become a puppet of America.
9. Palestine
The Israeli atrocities are on rise. But the world opinion and UNO are mostly silent and indifferent or ineffective. New Jewish settlements in East Jerusalem and occupied territories are most condemnable. In spite of formal condemnation by the USA and UNO, Israelis are going ahead with this aggression. Even Hillary Clinton has termed it as an obstacle to peace in the region. The CAC charges America and its allies of being responsible for the unjust situation; they have been constantly tolerating Israel’s excesses. The murder of Hamas leader was ignored by the USA. The UK took note of it only when the matter of the forged passport surfaced. The CAC appeals to the Indian government to use diplomatic channels to check Israel and restrain it from constructing new settlements. The Indian masses should protest against Israel’s excesses. Arab countries should extend substantive help to Palestine. Gaza siege should end. Egypt should open its borders for humanitarian measures.
The CAC session presided over by the JIH Ameer Maulana Syed Jalaluddin Umari, was attended by the following CAC members: Messrs M. Shafi Moonis, Abdul Haq Ansari, K.A. Siddique Hassan, Mohd. Jafar, Nusrat Ali, Syed Ghulam Akbar, M. Rafat, Hasan Raza, S. Qasim Rasool Ilyas, M. Yusuf Islahi, T.K. Abdullah, Ejaz Ahmed Aslam, S.M. Malik, H.A. Raquib, Engr. M. Saleem and S. Aminul Hasan. The special invitees who attended the session were Messrs M. Rafeeq Qasmi, Iqbal Mullah, Abdul Basit Anwar, Shiekh M. Mujtaba Farooque and Ashfaque Ahmad.