Religious Discrimination of Another Shade

Religious Discrimination of Another Shade
Jasim Mohammad*


Maharashtra state Minorities Commission heard the case of Emraan Hashmi on 13th August, 2009 and made certain observations. In its decision , the commission noted that; (i) Prime facie, one cannot deny the possibility that Mr. Emraan Hashmi had been discriminated on religious grounds in the sale of flat, (ii) considering the facts mentioned in the above paragraph as well as taking into consideration the positive assurances given by the Nibana Co. Hsg. Society, the application is disposed off. etc. in its recommendations, the commission said, “state government should constitute a special cell under the House department for monitoring the cases of discrimination like this and government should amend all the concerned legislation related with sale or lease of flats so as to check discriminations in such matters.

Though the controversy over denial of NOC to Emraan Hashmi has died down but Maharashtra state Minorities Commission decision and recommendations have threw some important questions. No doubt that Muslims are facing discrimination on account of their religious identity in several sectors. Some cases come to light others may not. For example even in the Capital of India, Delhi, Muslims are unable to find a room or house on rent and if they find, the police harasses them by heaping upon inconvenient questions. By all practical means, it seems that India is going out of democracy. For the health of the nation such questions should be addressed as early as possible otherwise they may damage peaceful co-existence.
Delivering a lecture [19.08.2009] in Aligarh Muslim University Union Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Shashee Tharoor said that, “Muslims face such discrimination everyday”. Though he was commenting on Shah Rukh Khan episode but the comment is also right within India. It is for the government itself to see that the discrimination is not heaping upon Muslims only in foreign countries but also in their own country. It is the total failure of secular governance. Internal bickering of the political parties and fixed minds have contributed in this latest phenomenon.
On the eve of independence, large number of Muslims decided to stay back in India. They were not responsible for the creation of Pakistan. They had nothing to do with the politics of the sub-continent of those days. Present generation of Muslims is above guilt of partition. Moreover with the passage of time, it has been closely established that many other groups and people played role in partition other than Muslims. Recent book of Jaswant Singh is the prove. But there is a section which is bent upon to spread rumors and does not recognize facts. Such forces are not in interest of the nation.

India is a land of contradictions and contrasts. People belonging to every religion may be found here. Thousands of rituals and customs exist. In this scenario it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that no section of society is discriminated. We have to analyze why over governance failed despite our tall claims about surviving democracy. It failed because we did not took actions on right moments. Gandhi was not killed by one man only. He was killed by one ideology. We allowed that ideology to develop and flourish. That result in Gujarat Genocide 2002 and post Babri Mosque demolition riots in Mumbai. Sri Krishna Commission was appointed by government itself and it shied away from acting on its recommendations. What stopped the government? Soft corner for Hindutva or hard Hindutva? We have to deal with secular ideals which are core base of the constitution of India. Mind it; if the administration or government is not following constitution in letters and spirit, they are violating it. Is it right?
I must point out the attitude of civil administration in such cases. When Emraan Hashmi faces the awkward situation, he alongwith noted film Director and Humanist Mahesh Bhatt addressed a press conference which was their legitimate right. Instead of addressing the issues raised by then, Maharashtra police heaped upon them cases. The police cannot act on its own. There most be some one behind and, mind, Maharashtra is ruled by the Congress which is supposed to be a secular party. I am strongly concerned on this negative attitude which must be discontinued.
The government has established National Commission for Minorities. Every state has State Minorities Commission but they are toothless. They have no power to prosecute. They can only make recommendations which are often not implemented by the government. Indian National Congress had promised in its manifesto to arm Minorities Commission with prosecution powers before the Lok Sabha Election 2009. it is time that they are equipped with powers to prosecute. I am sure that it will change much more.
The issue is not the case of Emraan Hashmi. This issue is discrimination not only with Muslims but all section of the Indian society. If discrimination exists, so that injustice and if injustice will continue, the progress and development of the nation will be hollow because no meaningful peace may exist. It is in the larger interest of the country that our policy makers immediately arrest trend of discrimination of all shades.

*The writer is Research Scholar of Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh


[Jasim Mohammad]
Research Scholar
Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh

Contact: Jasim Mohammad, Centre for Comparative Study of Indian Languages & Culture [CCSIL&C], AMU, Aligarh-202002 [UP]
Email. jasimmd@gmail.com Mobile: 0- 9997063595

Election.....2009
Mr. Emran Hasmi
helicopter at 11th May, 2009

CONGRESS MUST ACT NOW ?

CONGRESS MUST ACT NOW ?

Jasim Mohammad

Elections are a significant event in the political life of a democratic country. For the 15th time, the people of India have elected a new government to shape a new India.. Fortunately UPA government has returned to power. No doubt it is a time of rejoining but at the same time, Congress leaders and UPA strategists should sit down to act on the promises made during campaigning. Some one has said that survival of democracy depends upon reactions of the intellectual over issues related to public. It may be true or not but as one who has devoted considerable time and labour in election campaigning, I would like to remind some of promises, Congress leader had made.
Under the guidance of noted Film Director and Humanist Mahesh Bhatt, I campaigned in almost all Muslims concentrated constituencies. In his appeal to Muslim, masses Shri Mahesh Bhatt pointed out that, “UPA government had lacked time to implement Sachar Committee Report, hence they should get another term to implement it fully. It was Sachar Committee Report which stimulated us to support the Congress Party, Second point was the Right to Information Act. Most of us know that RTI has succeeded in downing era of accountability and transparency resulting in clean administration.” We hoped that with the continuation of UPA, RTI will be more strengthened.
Now when UPA has formed the government with convenient case, it must act in certain areas. Muslims of India are lagging behind in every field and Sachar Committee has clearly accepted this fact. It if for the government to act and act fast now. It should implement the report in letter and spirit both.
Another issue is minority status for the Aligarh Muslim University [AMU]. Judicial decisions deny AMU what is its legal right. The government is empowered to bring the legislation and declare AMU a minority education institution once for all, so that there should not be any confusion.

There are some other issues related with security psyche of Indians particularly with Muslims. A lot of time has passed but Anti Communal Violence Bill failed to see the light of day. It is upon the government now to table it on first available opportunity. All concerned Indians are of one opinion that tide of communalism should be contained. Hence Fast Track Courts should be set up to deal with the cases of communal riots, so that justice may be provided to affected people. Economic conditions of the masses also decide status of a nation. It is time that Equal Opportunity Commission must be set-up with teeth to provide equal opportunities to the deprived sections of Indian Society. At the same time, National Commission for Minorities [NCM] should also be provided powers to prosecute erring persons and parties. These are some of the issues which must be addressed by the UPA government within 100 days, so that a positive message may go to masses that the government means business.
Congress party has gained much in Uttar Pradesh but it should not be in over- joyous mood. That will prove fatal. Instead leaders of the Congress Party should sit and chalk out strategies to pull out deprived sections from the misery.
Another major area which demands attention of the government is pending report of the Inquiry Commissions. As may as 27 reports of the Inquiry Commission are getting dust. Action Taken Report [ATR] should also be tabled along with. This serves dual purpose. On the one hand, communal elements and organizations will be brought to book and on the other confidence level of the Muslim will increase. There is dire need to have a mechanism which ensures that people have confidence in the functioning of the governments.
It should be noted that the success of the Congress is due to young leadership of Rahul Gandhi. Side by side collective labour by social worker like Mahesh Bhatt has paid rich dividends. But Congress should maintain success spree to otherwise it will lose whatever it had gained. For the maintenance of just achieved success, the first and foremost step is that the Congers fulfill its promises made and monitor implementations of the programme. Discrimination meted out to dalit- Muslims under Article 341 [based on Presidential Order, 1950] must be revoked, so that Dalit Muslims my also get fruits of reservation as their counter parts are getting.
India is a land of diversity. It has numerous problems but at the sametime it has ample opportunities too. Present government should use vast manpower to generate new image and cultivate a brotherly feeling among masses.

Author is the Research Scholar of Aligarh Muslim University and President of the Millat Bedari Muhim Committte [MBMC], Aligarh

Correspondence:
Jasim Mohammad
Centre for Comparative study of Indian languages and Culture [CCSIL&C], Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh- 202002 [UP]
Cell No: 0- 999706 3595 Email: jasimmd@gmail.com, mbmcoffice@gmail.com

Anti Communalism Day

PRESS RELEASE

ALIGARH 28.02.2009 : On the occasion of 7th Anniversary of Gujarat Genocide, The Millat Bedari Muhim Committee (MBMC), Aligarh & Intellectuals’ Forum for Secular Democracy & Social Justice (IFSDSJ) observed 28th February 2009 as an ‘Anti-Communalism Day’ and organized a national seminar on “Recall Gujarat Genocide”, on February 28, 2009, at 11:00 am at Kennedy Auditorium, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh. Mr. Harsh Mander, former IAS (Gujarat cadre) and renowned social activist & Humanist was the Chief Guest and delivered a key-note address. Mr. Vijay Pratap, social activist, was the guest of honour and Mr. Pramod Kumar, Industrialist and social activist, presided over the seminar.

Jasim Mohammad, president MBMC, presenting welcome address, said, “Gujarat incidents are still alive. It is shameful that culprits of Gujarat Genocide are not punished. They are not only freely roaming here and there but they are enjoying the power of Gujarat state.” He further said, “Around five thousand victim families are living in relief camps in Gujarat under distress condition. And the state government is not ready to do any thing for them.” He demanded that the victims should be given compensation as the victims of anti-Sikh riots in 1984 are given.

Mr. Harsh Mander, former IAS and renowned social activist, said, “The Gujarat Genocide has completed seven years but the government has failed to take any positive step for the betterment of the victims. I am witness that it is a crime to be a Muslim in Gujarat. Genocide is still continued in Gujarat. The victims are living under distress condition.” He said, “The acknowledgment of killing of innocent children and women in 2002 in Gujarat by RSS, Bajrangdal and BJP with the help of then Gujarat government, the support and the compensation to the victims and the punishment to the culprits and the justice to the victims can bring the bad memories of Gujarat to end.”
“We can never compromise with injustice and can not put up the arms to fight against injustice. We have to fight against injustice without any fear by the way of non-violence. Our constitution is in favour of people but the government authority is misusing it. We have to compel them to use it in favour of people.” He also said, “We have been working for the justice. And we should take up the weapons of justice, love and humanity against all evils,” Harsh Mander said.

Mr. Harsh Mander, Mr. Vijay Pratap and Mr. Pramod Kumar launched a National Weekly “Aligarin Times” which will be published by Jasim Mohammad, Chief Editor & Publisher.

Mr. Vijay Pratap, a social activist and guest of honour, condemned the Gujarat Genocide and said that communal minded politicians are trying to malign the secular character of India.

Prof. Shamim Ahmed, President, IFSDSJ said in his introductory remarks, “We have lost the faith in the investigative agencies of the country. They are playing in the hands of politicians. There should be one more inquiry committee to make justice between Banerjee committee and Nanavati committee.” He also demanded that the case of former USA president, George W. Bush and Chief Minister of Guajrat, Narender Modi should be on trial in International court and they should be punished.”

Presiding over the seminar, Mr. Pramod Kumar said that we, Hindu and Muslims should fight against injustice together. He also said that if it is propagated that at least ninety percent Hindus are fighting for the Muslim victims in Gujarat, communalism, itself, will be defeated in India.

Prof. Razaullah Khan, Patron of MBMC & Chairman Department of Civil Engineering, AMU, said that communal politicians have tarnished the secular face of India. Politicians have forgotten the democratic values and their constitutional duties. Addressing the Muslim students, he said that they have to always remember the message of peace and harmony which is taught in Holy Quran.


Dr. Mohammad Shahid, Ex-Secretary AMU Teachers’ Association, said that the demolition of Babri Mosque and Gujarat Genocide 2002 are two dark chapters of Indian history. Indian polity has adopted biased attitude to deal with communalism and terrorism. Now injustice is everywhere in India and terrorism has been spreading very fast. Terrorism will continue, if the justice is not given to the victims because terrorism takes birth from the womb of injustice.” He further said, “Narender Modi, Parveen Togadia, BJP, RSS, Bajrang dal and Abhinav Bharat are spreading terrorism in India. They should be banned.”

Dr. F.S.Sherani, conducted the seminar and said that AMU Community is with the movement of Harsh Mander.

Mohsin Raza Khan, a journalist, presenting vote of thanks, said, “No political party is sincere to help victims and provide them justice.” He said “we demand that the Anti-Communal Violence Bill should be passed in next parliament session.”




[Vardah Ayesha Khan]
Media In-charge
0- 99970 63595
Email: jasimmd@gmail.com,
mbmcoffice@gmail.com

'War on Terror: Myth & Reality"

Urdu Daily

Shri Amaresh Misra

misra.amaresh@gmail.com

Banner

Ayesha Vardah Khan

Prof. V. K. Abdul Jaleel

Registrar, AMU

Dr. Mohammad Shahid

Dr. Arshi Khan

Dr. Ashutosh Kumar

Shri Amaresh Misra

misra.amaresh@gmail.com

Amaresh ji

Press Release

Ref. No. MBMC/09/78[P] Dated:18.01.2009


ALIGARH: The Millat Bedari Muhim Committee [MBMC], Aligarh, a non political and social organization working for the secular and democratic values in the country, condemns the terrorist strikes in the country. The MBMC believes that terrorism is a menace that deserves condemnation in all its forms and manifestation. It should be tackled for peaceful and meaningful co-existence of mankind. Selective war on terror will not yield any result. On the other hand, it will generate more terrorism.

In this regard, The Millat Bedari Muhim Committee [MBMC] organized a seminar on the theme of “War on Terror: Myth & Reality” on January 17, 2009 [Saturday] at Arts Faculty Lounge, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh [Uttar Pradesh] INDIA. Shri Amaresh Misra, a renowned Journalist & Historian delivered key-note address and grace the occasion as a chief guest. Prof. [Dr.] V. K. Abdul Jaleel, Registrar, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh presided over the function.

Speaking in the seminar, Mr. Jasim Mohammad, President, MBMC, said, “Terrorism is a great threat for India. But it is strange that Indian state never tried to tackle terrorism in true spirit. As soon as any activity like a bomb-blast takes place, within minutes media and investigative agencies pronounce judgment. And they try to establish a myth that a particular community is behind the attacks and local police start their operation.” He also demanded the judicial inquiry in the death of ATS Officers Shri Hemant Karkare, Vijay Salasker and Ashok Kamte during Mumbai attack.

Delivering the key-note address, Shri Amaresh Misra, defined the difference between terror and terrorism in the perspective of history and said terror starts from the evil and terrorism comes from injustice.” He also said, “Modern form of terrorism is based on fiction that human being writes. Today terrorism has become a business and a weapon in the hands of Imperialist forces like America and Israel.” He also said, “Imperialists forces like America and Israel have adopted terrorism as a weapon to attack on other countries and to damage and destroy the civil movements and resistance forces in the countries.” He further added, “Behind all terrorist strikes, there is an idea of Zionism. Business friendly evil approaches are involved in the terrorist activities. Now fascist and communal forces are committing terrorist crimes but blaming others. Now terrorist activities are being perpetrated on the pattern of underworld. In this terrorism, corporate Business class and Western Bankers are actively participating to dominate over the Nations. East India Company tried to change the mentality of Indians on the pattern of Latin America and South Africa but Indian Muslims and Santali Dharamis defeated their ideas. Due to this historical background, they want to take revenge from India. They want to pressurize India and want to strengthen their agents in the countries. When Raj Thakare talks about the banning on ‘Chhat Pooja’ and Narender Modi speaks in favour of ‘Hindutva’, they are part of that conspiracy.”

On 26th November, 2008 Mumbai terrorist strikes, Shri Amaresh Misra said, “It seems that MOSSAD was behind the Mumbai attack.” He described the Mumbai attack in the light of historical perspective. On 26th November,2008 whatever happened in Mumbai is a conspiracy. This was planned only to kill Shri Hemant Karkare because few days ago, he apologized in front of Mumbai Muslim intellectuals that there is no organization like Indian Mujahideen and he bravely challenged the western oriented myth of terrorism.” He criticized the role of Mumbai Police during November Mumbai attacks. He further said, “Killers of Mahtama Gandhi are the killer of Shri Hemant Karkare. He also demanded, from Indian Government to setup Judicial Inquiry in the Death of ATS officers and to setup High Level Intelligence Agency for the probe of Mumbai Attacks instead of Mumbai Police.

Presiding over the seminar, Prof. (Dr.) V.K. Abdul Jaleel, Registrar. Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh appreciated the stand of the Millat Bedari Muhim Committee and said, “Terrorism is a big threat for the Nation. We should fight against it together.”

Prof. Razaullah Khan, Chairman, Civil Engg. Department, AMU said, “Terrorism has no religion. It should not be associated with any religion.” He condemned the Israeli aggression in Gaza and demanded from Indian government to rethink its relationship with Israel.

Dr. Mohammad Shahid, Former Secretary AMU Teachers’ Association, said, “Dual approach can not stop the terrorism. Whenever any terrorist strike happens, a particular group, especially Muslims are being targeted for the attacks. It is condemnable.” He also said, “If after Tribunal Court’s clean chit to SIMI could be banned, why Abhinav Bharat can’t be banned?

Dr. Arshi Khan, Department of Political Science, AMU, Dr. Ashutosh Kumar, Department of Hindi, AMU, M. Mohsin Israeli Advocate, Supreme Court of India, New Delhi and Prof. Humayun Murad Ex- President, AMUTA & Former Controller Of Examinations & Admissions, AMU also expressed their views on the topic.

The seminar started with the recitation of the Holy Qur‘aan by Mr. Nadeem Ashraf. Mohsin Raza Khan, Hony. Secretary, the MBMC delivered welcome speech and Salfiya Hakeem presented vote of thanks. Ms. Vardah Ayesha Khan conducted the seminar.

Thanks

Regards,


Vardah Ayesha Khan

Media In-charge, The MBMC
Mobile: 0-99970 63595
Email: jasimmd@gmail.com
mbmcoffice@gmail.com