Jamaat-e-Islami Hind has rejected any possibility of an out-of-court settlement of the Babri Masjid dispute.
Speaking at the Jamaat’s monthly press meet at its headquarters in New Delhi on 3 December, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind’s President Maulana Syed Jalaluddin Umari said, “On the occasion of the 24th anniversary of Babri Masjid demolition, we resolve to continue the peaceful struggle for restoration and reconstruction of the Babri Masjid, in cooperation with the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), human rights organisations and justice-loving people of all religions. Jamaat rules out any possibility for an out of court settlement towards resolution of the Babri Masjid case. 6 December 1992 was one of the darkest days in the history of India. Unfortunately the perpetrators of the demolition are still walking free and successive governments have not arrested anyone. The Liberhan Commission presented its report in June 2009 after a long period of 17 years but no practical steps were taken thereafter. The case is pending before the Supreme Court and Jamaat is hopeful that the verdict will be in its favour.”
Addressing the media persons, on the issue of demonetisation, the Secretary General of Jamaat, Muhammad Salim Engineer expressed skepticism over the government’s claim to curb the circulation of black money by demonetising 500 and 1000 rupee currency notes. Salim Engineer said, “We are not convinced by the government’s claim that the demonetisation scheme will curb black money. If black money was to be curbed, why introduce the 2000 rupee note. This sudden announcement by the government appears to be an election stunt and has resulted in a lot of inconvenience to millions of poor and middle class citizens who have to queue for hours and days at banks and ATMs just to collect their own money.” Jamaat-e-Islami Hind demands that the government should come out with a “white paper” on the entire details of the demonetisation plan and extend all possible measures to reduce the inconvenience caused to ordinary citizens.”
The Secretary General also condemned the Burmese government for the ongoing genocide of Rohingya Muslims and destruction of their lives and properties. He said, “The ethnic-cleansing of Rohingya Muslims continues unabated even after the much flaunted establishment of a democratic government led by Aung San Suu Kyi.”
He expressed his distress and anxiety at the indifference of the United Nations, international human rights organisations and Muslim States at the plight of Rohingya Muslims. He demanded the Government of Myanmar to stop these repressive measures against Rohingya Muslims forthwith, to provide them with an opportunity to lead a peaceful life with full freedom in their country and to take strong action against the military and the terrorists targeting them.