The Central Advisory Council meeting of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind was held at Palghat Kerala from December 24th to 28th 2017. The following resolutions were passed on national and international issues in the meet. Text of the resolutions is being published for the benefit of our readers:
INDIAN SCENARIO
CAC of JIH expresses its deep concern on the current Indian scenario. The grave problems affecting the country are disruption of peace, lawlessness, economic downfall and weakening of democratic institutions. In spite of some oral assurances of the government, instances of attacks on innocents are increasing. The killing alive in Rajasthan, of a Bengali worker is a glaring example of this bloody trail. The support given to the criminals, after this episode, clearly demonstrates that it is not a petty offence. Rather the offenders enjoy the backing of powerful political forces. Muslims, Christians, Dalits and Adivasis are main victims of this continuing cycle of violence; indicating the presence of communal elements working to create discord. The government must move beyond oral pronouncements and should take effective legal action against the criminals and their supporters.
These incidents of violence serve a political purpose, since they may be employed by politicians to achieve power by polarising sections of people against one another. Such polarising efforts should be discouraged. It is regrettable that the level of political discourse in recent Gujarat elections was abysmally low. Politicians played communal card to achieve political ends. This tendency hits at the very roots of democracy. The CAC session invites the attention of national leaders towards their responsibilities. They should refrain from promoting negative tendencies which malign the whole country and destroy peace and harmony.
CAC session views the economic situation of the country with concern. The new central government began its term by promising the creation of 20 million new jobs annually. What actually happened was the exact opposite. Employment avenues are diminishing and the previous year witnessed the loss of job of seventy lakh workers. Such negative developments in employment sector lead to many other imbalances. The session of CAC attributes growing unemployment to faulty economic policies of the government and its unwise actions.
Demonetisation was an unwise major step which harmed the country’s economy. Further damage was done by GST. No proper planning was done and due to lack of clarity, business and small industry suffered grave losses. This session of CAC demands proper revision of tax rates on services and products; particularly those which affect common masses. Indirect taxes should be reduced and GST council should be brought in the purview of scrutiny by Parliament. Agricultural sector is currently beset by grave problems. Farmers are yet to get proper prices for their produce. Another ill-advised step is privatisation in defence and other sensitive sectors. This affects their efficiency, hurts the economy and is a security risk.
The FRDI bill is another major cause of concern. It will affect the interests of poor investors. Mega companies’ irresponsible behaviour has harmed the banking sector, as indicated by reports. In this background, this bill gives rise to genuine apprehensions. This session demands that the limit of insured deposit should be raised. Also the poor and middle class investors should be exempted from bail in provision.
Reserve Bank’s committee had recommended creation of interest free window. Regrettably, the government has rejected this proposal. The CAC demands that such window should be opened to encourage economic inclusion and wider investment.
Weakening of democratic institutions in the country is unfortunate. Questions are being raised about autonomy of institutions like reserve bank, vigilance commission and election commission. Media is not playing an independent role. Various pillars of democracy should be strengthened, to counteract the negative tendencies.
The stand of government on Aadhar and privacy is regrettable. Insistence on Aadhar means that data of individuals may become available to companies which may exploit it. This is not acceptable. The CAC expects the Supreme Court to deliver a just judgment and check the government from implementing its disastrous policies.
NEW LEGISLATION ON TRIPLE TALAQ
This session of CAC of JIH deplores the passage of the new legislation (Muslim Women Protection of Rights on Marriage Bill) in the Lok Sabha.
This bill is unnecessary, contrary to the Islamic Shari’ah and against interests of women. This bill terms triple talaq as invalid and null and void and prescribes three years imprisonment as well as fine, to the man pronouncing triple talaq.
This bill is contrary to Article 25 of Indian Constitution, which acknowledges freedom of religion. The bill is also in conflict with the recent Supreme Court judgment. The bill is claimed to be protector of rights of Muslim divorced women, but it suffers from internal contradictions. If triple talaq is null and void and has no legal effect; how can it be a crime? Secondly, in Article 5 of the bill, the man pronouncing triple talaq will be obliged to provide maintenance for the wife and children. If he is behind the bars, how can he earn money to provide maintenance? Also when he would be released after three years in jail, will he be willing to live with a woman who caused his suffering?
The CAC expresses its surprise over the government’s strange attitude. In a matter related to Muslims, the government did not consult any experts on Islamic Shari’ah or any Muslim scholars. It did not seek the views of Muslim organisations or women’s organisations.
Indeed this bill is superfluous and unnecessary. It has been rejected by women’s organisations and also by Muslim Personal Law Board. According to legal analysts, the bill is in conflict with Articles 14, 15 and 25 of the Constitution of India.
The CAC reiterates that instead of legislation, the issue of triple talaq should be addressed through social reform. Muslim Personal Law Board and other bodies of Muslims are already working for educating the Muslim society; so that men do not pronounce triple talaq in one go. If needed, a Muslim husband should pronounce a single talaq only. In view of these reform movements, there is no need of any legislation by the government. CAC demands the withdrawal of this measure.
MUSLIM WORLD
The session of CAC of JIH views with concern the current situation of the Muslim world; which is beset by a number of internal and external problems. Concerted efforts are needed to overcome them and initiate key reforms. The most important need is to achieve freedom of this region, from imperialist intervention. Without political, social and intellectual independence, the Muslim world cannot benefit from real blessings of divine guidance.
The CAC urges Muslim people and rulers to work towards real freedom. The Muslim countries have lost their independence because of the military and economic bondages imposed on them, through various treaties and deals. The region must get rid of these shackles immediately. To meet its needs, the Muslim world should tap its own resources; through mutual cooperation. Forums likes OIC should be formed and the existing ones should be activated to promote cooperation in important fields like education, culture, communication, trade, industry, economy, technology and defence.
The CAC invites the Muslim people to reorganise their socio-political system on Islamic basis; reflecting such key Islamic values as justice and consultation (SHOORA). The Islamic temperament and needs of the time demand formation of vibrant democratic structures in Muslim lands, infused with Islamic spirit. Masses must be given their genuine democratic rights and concrete steps initiated for moral and religious growth and socio-economic development. Army should not intervene in political governance of Muslim states; rather its role should be confined to matters of defence. To make this possible, power should be given to capable and honest elements of the society.
The Arab region is the heart of the Muslim world. It is regrettable that the political, military and cultural presence of America and Israel is increasing; consequently economic disparity permissiveness and decadent culture is on the rise. The CAC appeals to all sincere elements to check such negative trends and promote Islamic cultural values. The military intervention of foreign powers should immediately come to an end. To achieve freedom from aggression, the UNO should be activated and the victim countries themselves must bravely resist and reject the attacks on their autonomy. Cooperation of the rest of the Muslim world and nonaligned countries should be sought in this regard.
CAC deplores the situation in Yemen. It appeals to OIC and capable Muslim countries of the region to effectively intervene to stop the bloodshed and bring durable peace. Syrian refugees should be given an opportunity to come back to Syria. Through fair elections, a responsible government should be formed in Syria. In Egypt and other countries, Islamist elements and adherents of Ikhwan are being persecuted; this unjust oppression should stop and all such prisoners should be released. In Egypt, fair elections should again be held to form a representative government.
PRESIDENT TRUMP’S ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING JERUSALEM
CAC session strongly condemns President Trump’s announcement that Jerusalem will be Israel’s capital and the American embassy will be shifted there. This announcement is arbitrary, ill-advised and contrary to justice. This announcement has negated all efforts to bring peace in the region.
CAC appreciates the rejection of Trump stand by UN general assembly and by Security Council. The Trump announcement was rejected by overwhelming majority though America vetoed the Security Council resolution. Through demonstrations, people all over the world have expressed their anger against Trump declaration. The world conscience has rejected this move.
The CAC session appreciates the stand of the Indian government in Security Council, where it opposed the Trump announcement. The Indian government’s stand is in continuity with its traditional policy of support to genuine freedom movements. The CAC session expects that Indian government will maintain its support to Palestine and will oppose Israel’s aggressive and illegal actions.
Though OIC meeting was held on this issue but only 22 heads of state and 25 foreign ministers participated in it. CAC session deplores this poor presence. The session appeals to Muslim countries to launch united efforts to liberate Aqsa Masjid and strengthen independent state of Palestine to restore the rights of Palestinians. Muslims would never give up Aqsa Masjid since it is a core issue for them.
The CAC appreciates brave efforts of Palestinians who have a history of seven decades of sacrifice and struggle. They are boldly facing the aggressive steps of Israel and unjust economic blockade imposed on them. The CAC expresses its support for their efforts.
CAC appeals to people to realise the gravity of Palestine issue. They should protest against Israel’s illegal occupation and aggression. The continuing bloodshed in Middle East is due to Israel’s aggressive actions. Without addressing the core issue, durable peace is impossible. The session appeals to Muslims and larger humanity to launch all possible efforts to liberate Aqsa Masjid, using all proper means.