Syed Sadatullah Husaini, Ameer (National President) of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, while interacting with media persons during Iftar get-together programme at its headquarters on April 15 said, “It is very important to find out what is the way forward when communal violence has once again started. What is happening today is not communal riots but pre-planned attacks with similar pattern in various states during Ram-Navami processions and it is really alarming.”
In reply to a question, he said, “We all should together try to put pressure on the state and central governments to curb the ongoing violence and efforts should be made to ensure that standard procedure and precaution are duly followed so that these processions should not turn into riots. During our visit to Karauli in Rajasthan we have raised the issue with local administration and asked why permission was given for procession and why they were allowed to shout and play DJs in front of the mosque, and raise provocative slur to vitiate atmosphere. It is the duty of the government to ensure that there is rule of law. ”
While replying to a question on what is the way forward under such prevailing situation, JIH president said, “All socio-religious organisations including Jamaat, Civil society and media should play their role in order to put pressure on the ruling establishment to ensure that there is rule of law and ask questions as to why they were allowed to take out procession and provoke sentiments of one particular community. Through dialogue and communication we have to downplay communal polarisation drive which is dangerous not only for Muslims but also all Indians as a whole.”
The JIH leader added, “We have to fight communal polarisation at every level including villages, towns and cities with the help of religious leaders, intellectuals in order to ensure that peace prevails in the country. It is the need of the hour to ensure that there is a robust system of dialogue and communication in entire country and this could be the best answer to such hateful atmosphere.”
The JIH President also informed the press, “JIH leaders are trying to liaise with state officials and the police and press for effective action. A central delegation of Muslim leaders is visiting Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Efforts are being made to establish law and order in these areas in collaboration with civil society and leaders of different religions. Efforts are being made to take legal action against the oppressors and provide legal assistance to the oppressed.”
Towards the end, JIH Vice President Prof. Salim Engineer, while thanking media persons, said, “What is happening today is not only an issue of Muslims. The anti-Muslim forces are trying to make it an issue of Muslims but we should try to make it a national issue. If there is division in communities and if there is polarisation drive, it is bad for the entire country.”