The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has announced a nationwide campaign titled the “Movement for the Protection of the Constitution and Shari’ah”. The Board has cited concerns over mob violence, hate speech, demolitions, disputes over religious properties, interference in religious practices and attempts to dilute Muslim Personal Law. The campaign will also seek to involve people from communities beyond Muslims and will include public programmes, a White Paper, a legal guidebook and a Charter of Demands. In an interview with Radiance Viewsweekly, AIMPLB spokesperson Dr. S.Q.R. Ilyas explains the thinking behind the campaign, its proposed structure and its wider objectives.
The AIMPLB has announced a nationwide campaign for the protection of the Constitution and Shari’ah. What prompted the Board to launch this campaign?
Dr. S.Q.R. Ilyas: For the past 10-12 years, there has been a growing feeling among Muslims that they are being singled out and subjected to different forms of pressure. We have seen lynching and hate speech, and there have also been instances of demolitions involving homes, shops, mosques, graveyards and madrasas. In some States, including Uttarakhand and Assam, there have been developments concerning madrasas which have caused serious concern.
Alongside this, the Uniform Civil Code has now been implemented in some States, while preparations are reportedly underway in other BJP-ruled States. More recently, during the monsoon session, there were discussions concerning the compulsory singing of Vande Mataram in different settings, including educational institutions. There is also continuing intervention in the education system.
When we look at all these developments together, we felt that there was a need for a movement around the protection of the Constitution and Shari’ah.
The campaign is being described as more than a Muslim-centric initiative. Why is the Board seeking the participation of other communities?
Dr. S.Q.R. Ilyas: We do not want this movement to remain confined to Muslims. We will make efforts to involve people from other communities and wider civil society. Sikhs, Christians, Hindus, Dalits, Adivasis and other sections of society will also be approached. For instance, our first major programme is a protest at Jantar Mantar on September 17, and we are inviting people from different sections of society.
Our message is that this is not merely about Muslims. For the last 10-12 years, various marginalised sections have faced different kinds of difficulties. But there is a feeling that Muslims have particularly been singled out and subjected to different forms of pressure. We want to create a public opinion and bring pressure through democratic and constitutional means so that this situation comes to an end.
Since the AIMPLB is not a political party or an executive organisation, how will the campaign be implemented across the country?
Dr. S.Q.R. Ilyas:The Board will have to work through the organisations and people associated with it. The Muslim Personal Law Board already has various Muslim organisations represented in it. In our earlier programmes, we had asked these organisations to participate fully. For the present campaign also, we are making arrangements at the State level. A State convenor, joint convenors and committees will be constituted. Wherever such committees are formed, we will try to include religious and community organisations active in that State. Since the Board itself is not an organisation with an executive machinery extending into every locality, it is necessary to bring different organisations together and work collectively.
What are the concrete initiatives planned under the campaign?
Dr. S.Q.R. Ilyas: One important initiative will be the preparation of a White Paper. We want to document the issues and cases that have raised concerns regarding discrimination and violations of constitutional and legal rights. We are also looking at providing guidance to people regarding their legal rights and remedies. The campaign will therefore not be restricted to protests or public meetings. We want people to understand what the Constitution provides and what legal avenues are available to them.
The wider objective is also to create awareness within institutions and among the public that our Constitution stands for plurality and diversity. Linguistic and religious minorities have constitutional protections, and targeting any particular community is not in the interest of the country.
How long will the first phase of the campaign continue, and what outcomes does the Board hope to achieve?
Dr. S.Q.R. Ilyas:The first phase is planned from September through October and November, with the first phase concluding towards the end of November. During this period, there will be different programmes and efforts to build awareness. One of our important objectives is to place the issues before the public in a systematic manner and make people aware of constitutional principles.
The White Paper will also help put the various concerns and cases on record. Ultimately, we want the message to reach institutions and the wider public that our Constitution is based on plurality and diversity. The manner in which linguistic and religious minorities, and particularly Muslims, are being targeted is not in the interest of the country.
In today’s environment, social media has become an important tool for public mobilisation. How does the Board intend to use digital platforms?
Dr. S.Q.R. Ilyas:Social media will certainly be an important part of the campaign. We will use platforms such as X, Facebook and YouTube to communicate our message. We particularly want to reach the younger generation. It is important that young people understand the constitutional issues involved and become part of this effort.
We will therefore make efforts to communicate through digital platforms as well as through physical programmes and public meetings.
Will political parties and political representatives also be approached?
Dr. S.Q.R. Ilyas:Yes. We have already invited political representatives to our programmes. Representatives of different Opposition parties have also been approached. The idea is to put these issues before political parties and public representatives as matters concerning constitutional rights and the democratic character of the country.
Finally, what is the broader message the AIMPLB wants this campaign to convey?
Dr. S.Q.R. Ilyas:The central message is that this should not be seen simply as a campaign of one community. The Constitution speaks of plurality and diversity, and these principles must be protected. We want to oppose hatred, communalism and violence and instead promote peace, fraternity, dialogue and mutual respect. Protecting constitutional rights and religious freedom is in the interest of the entire country.