In a press briefing at Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) headquarters in New Delhi, the organisation’s President Syed Sadatullah Husaini addressed four major national concerns, Red Fort blast, Delhi’s air pollution, re-registration of Waqf properties, and the ongoing SIR of electoral rolls. He urged the government to respond with seriousness, sensitivity, and fairness while ensuring that citizens’ rights remain protected.
On the recent blast near the Red Fort, Husaini reiterated JIH’s immediate and unequivocal condemnation. Calling the attack “a crime against humanity,” he expressed solidarity with the families of the victims. “Those responsible are enemies of humanity, and all citizens must stand united in condemning such acts,” he said.
He stressed that radicalisation, extremism and violent ideologies can never be justified, regardless of motive or cause. “No religion in the world sanctions suicide attacks or violence against innocent people,” he added.
Husaini also expressed serious concern over the security and intelligence lapses exposed by the explosions. Referring to reports of multiple blasts in police station areas across nine villages, which resulted in nine deaths, he said these incidents indicate a worrying failure of institutional preparedness. “Such attacks in central locations and tourist spots like the Red Fort point to a major breakdown in our security infrastructure,” he remarked, demanding a thorough review and strengthening of the system.
However, an equally pressing concern in the aftermath is the stereotyping and vilification often directed towards specific communities. The media and social media, he said, frequently amplify polarising narratives instead of encouraging unity.
“It becomes the victory of terrorists when society allows itself to be divided,” he cautioned. He urged political leaders, media houses and civil society to ensure that counter-terror efforts do not translate into suspicion, harassment, or targeted hostility against innocent citizens.
Husaini also criticised the seasonal and episodic approach adopted by authorities to deal with Delhi’s severe air pollution. Every winter, emergency restrictions are imposed, construction halts, traffic is reduced, and generators are banned, but these measures fade once the smog lifts.
“We cannot continue this cycle for a century and expect change,” he said. “Pollution control requires long-term, sustained policy commitments rooted in scientific solutions.”
He highlighted that nearly 40% of Delhi’s pollution is caused by dust, yet civic attention to garbage disposal, street cleaning, and basic urban management remains inadequate. Simply shutting down activities for a few weeks each winter, he argued, cannot solve a crisis that affects the lungs and lives of millions.
“This is not a political issue. It concerns children’s health and the future of upcoming generations,” he emphasised. He urged the government to demonstrate the seriousness required to act decisively and consistently.
Husaini criticised the amendments to the Waqf Act that have made it mandatory for even long-registered Waqf properties to be re-registered through the UMEED portal. Describing the changes as “unnecessary, inappropriate, and a violation of the rights of Muslims,” he reaffirmed JIH’s opposition, noting that petitions have already been filed both in court and in the public domain.
However, he acknowledged that since the law is currently in force, registration has become essential to preserve Waqf assets nationwide. JIH units across the country, along with other Muslim organisations, are helping communities complete the process.
Despite these efforts, the practical challenges are immense. The portal frequently crashes, documentation requirements are complicated, and the timeframe granted is extremely short.
“There are centuries-old Waqfs across India. Expecting complete digital documentation within one or two months is unrealistic,” he said.
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