Lok Sabha elections: WB regional Muslim parties join hands

By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,

Patna: Muslims of West Bengal, who had a glorious past and once had economic prosperity, are facing various kinds of problems concerning every aspect of their lives. They are considered extremely poor and only fit for ordinary labour. Business groups are exploiting them by giving meager wages. Their educational percentage is also vey low.

However, keeping an eye on alluring Muslim voters political parties are including promises to Muslims in their manifestos. Congress ensured reservation for Muslims in job sectors in its manifesto, its ally in West Bengal Trinamool Congress also went on the same track.

The Trinamool Congress promised job reservations for the Muslims and women as well as to introduce Urdu as the second language in all areas where they constitute more than 10 per cent of the population.

It also assured to establish Central universities for the Muslims on the lines of AMU to exclusive schools, medical facilities and madarsas for them.

What are Muslims thinking about these promises?

Fakhrul Islam, a social activist in Kidderpur Kolkata said: “According to a report published in “Indian Express” Muslims’ representation in government jobs are less than 10% while they are 25% of the population of the state. The share of Muslims have gone down during the period of the present government led by the Left alliance. The share of Muslim women in government jobs is also worse as their representation barely touching two per cent”

Zaheer Anwar thinks that unemployment and insecurity are the real problems for Muslims in West Bengal and no party took any initiative to solve that. “Former West Bengal Chief Minister of Congress, Siddhartha Shankar Ray, had promised equality of opportunity to all citizens including members of the Muslim community in government jobs and announced that at least one Muslim police officer would be posted in each and every Police Station in West Bengal but the implementation was not seen on the ground” he told TwoCircles.net.

However, Maulana Siddiqullah Chaudhry, the president of Public Democratic Conference of India (PDCI), firmly rejected the promises made by the Congress and Trinamool Congress and termed it as another attempt to fool to the Muslims. PDCI along with United Democratic Front of Badruddin Ajmal has so far announced its candidates for 10 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal.

Candidates for Bashirhat, Joynagar, Sreerampur, Krishnagar, Uluberia, Burdwan East, Burdwan-Durgapur, Bolpur, Birbhum and Balurghat have been announced.

Talking to TwoCircles.net Maulana Chaudhry, who is contesting from Bashirhat, said that the issues on the basis of which we will seek votes are;

First: to save our democratic country from both outsiders and insiders factors who are trying to wipe out the democratic system in the country.

Second: to promote an independent foreign policy that would be without pressure of any country in the world.

Third: to give reservation in all government sectors for Muslims as per their population because it is the only way to tackle unemployment and poverty of the community.

Fourth: to protect women’s chastity and give their actual rights and respects.

Fifth: to establish factories and job sectors without occupying the lands of public.

Asked numbers of the seats on which his party will contest, he said: “PDCI and UDF will contest jointly from 13 constituencies.”

“We also tie with some regional parties such as “Indian Union Muslim League”, “Maghribi Bengal Muslim League”, Samajwadi Janata Party and “Republican Indian Party.”

Though he reserved his opinion on how many seats they expect to win but he expressed his happiness on contesting election jointly saying: “ It is first time when we all came together to fight the elections so, we hope better result” he said.

Noteworthy, Siddiqullah Chaudhry is the person who has been active for last few years for Muslims and other marginalized communities especially in Nandigram.

He said that the major problem that Muslims of West Bengal are facing is unemployment and he blamed both central and state governments for that. “We want to bring down the state government as its policies are against minorities and we are contesting this LS election as a preparation of assembly election” said he.

http://twocircles.net/2009mar26/lok_...oin_hands.html

Sehroza Dawat launches its website

By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,

“The job of media is to make minds of people for positive things and to raise voice against evil and oppression. But today’s situation is very sorrowful because media does not raise voice upon immoral actions and became so much discriminate that it does not highlights Muslim issues” said Maulana Jalaluddin Umri, the national president of Jamat Islami Hind(JIH).

He was speaking at inauguration ceremony of website www.dawatonline.com for Sehroza Dawat, a three-day newspaper, published by JIH.

He expressed his grief on lack representation of Muslims in media and requested Muslims to come in both electronic and print media.“It is matter of thought that how our message will come in media, our deep connection should be with media along with our own strong media” said Maulana Jalaluddin Umri.

Earlier Sheikh Manzoor Ahmad, the director of UNI Urdu service, inaugurated the special publication of ‘Sehroza Dawat’ “Jamat Islami ke 60 sal- Akabir-e-Jamat ki Nazar main” (The 60 years of Jamat Islami in the eye of forefathers of Jamat islami).

In his short speech, Mr. Manzoor said “Among all the Muslim groups, Jamat Islami is a moderate group but most of the people do not know this fact.” Highlighting the Muslim condition he said that Muslims have been backward for last 30 years. He stressed on documentation.

In the beginning of the programme, Mr.Parvez Rahmani, editor of Sehroza Dawat, highlighted the history of Dawat and said that Sehroza Dawat had not only been spokesperson of JIH but all Indian Muslims. The programme was attended by many people and ended with words of thank by Rafeeq Ahmad, secretary of Dawat Trust.
Dawat is being published since 1953.

Link:

http://www.dawatonline.com/

Muslim leaders unanimous in criticizing Justice Katju’s comments

By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,

Patna : Recently a 16-year old Muslim student Mohammad Saleem of a Christian minority school in Madhya Pradesh has moved to the Supreme Court against an order of the MP High Court rejecting his petition challenging the decision of his school to throw him out for refusing to shave his beard.

On March 30, a Supreme Court Judge Justice Katju rejected the plea of Mohammad Saleem and passed a remark saying, "We don't want to have Talibans in the country. Tomorrow a girl student may come and say that she wants to wear a burqa, can we allow it," Justice Markandeya Katju said speaking for a bench headed by Justice Raveendran.

The comment of Justice Markandeya Katju angered Muslims community. Muslim leaders condemned it strongly and called it unfortunate for a democratic country.

Talking to TwoCircles.net Maulana Anisur Rahman Qasmi nazim of Imarat-e- Sharia Bihar, Jharkhand and Orisa, said: “This comment is because of narrow-mindedness and also because of insufficient study of religions while to have knowledge of religious obligations is necessary for a judge especially a Supreme Court judge”.

He further said that if keeping beard is against secularism then Justice Markandeya Katju should give a verdict to remove prime minister of India from his office who keeps beard along with turban because one who does not follow the secularism, has no right to be PM of secular India.

“Such kind of remark by communal elements and political parties is not new but surprisingly it is first time by a Supreme Court judge which is not a good sign for the future of the country” said Maulana Syed Nizamuddin, the Genral Secratry of Muslim Personal Law Board while talking to TwoCircles.net

Maulana Syed Nizamuddin who is also Ameere Shariat of Imarat Sharia of Bihar, Jharkhand and Orisa, also told TCN: “When a Sikh is allowed to sport beard then why Muslim is not, why this double standard in the same country?”

“It is really very sorrowful matter that a Supreme Court judge stops to follow the religious obligation which is given by the constitution of the country. The use of word “Talibanism” indicates anti-Muslim view of the judge. This is an immoral and immature statement” Maulana Waris Mazhari, the editor of Tarjaman-e-Deoband” told TCN.

“Government is responsible for such kind of statement because it is the government which said first that beard is not necessary for Muslims. At that time we also said that government is not Mufti and we filed a case against it in Supreme Court” told Hasan Ahmad Qadri, Genral Secratry of Bihar Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind. “Now this condemnable comment by a Supreme Court judge and has created anxiety among Muslims” he said.

Syed Sanaullah, Nazim of Idara-e-Sharia Bihar said that such kind of person does not fit to be a judge of Supreme Court at all who tries to spread communalism in a democratic country by his hate remark. “We will protest against this decision at the national level” he told TCN.

Siddiqulla Chaudhry, the president of PDCI and Genral Secratry of WB Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, said: “This verdict of Supreme Court is against religious right and SC does not have power to take a decision which goes against any religious faith. So, SC should reconsider this verdict” said he to TCN.

Maulana Abdul Hameed Nomani, the spokesperson of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, called it a personal remark and not a verdict of SC.

“It is not a verdict of Supreme Court But it is personal remark of Justice Markandeya Katju because it would be decision when it was said after hearing the plea. But justice Katju rejected it before hearing so, how it could be a verdict?” he told TCN adding “ Yes it is a matter of concern that even a Supreme Court judge is influenced by anti-Muslim factors so much that he gives an unconstitutional comment. Secularism means that government does not have any particular religion but it can not stop any one to follow his religion on the contrary it has to protect all the religions so, it is not only against Muslim’s faith but also against the laws of our country.”

Criticizing on the remark of Mr. Markandeya Katju that he would not allow a girl to come school wearing burqa, Maulana Abdul Hameed said: “When a girl comes nude or half-nude to school or public places then Markandeya Katju does not stop her but when a girl comes to school wearing burqa, it is not acceptable to him.”

Maulana Syed Ahmad Bukhari, the Imam of Jama Masjid of Delhi, expressed his sorrow on this behavior of Justice Markandeya Katju and said that instead of linking beard to Islam he has linked it with Taliban which is objectionable. “Beard and burqa are parts of Muslim Laws in which interference of any one can not be accepted. When beard and burqa are allowed in Western countries then why in a democratic country these would not be permitted?” he told Media persons.

Dr Zafarul-Islam Khan, President of the AIMMM, said that it is very unfortunate that a Supreme Court judge should nurse such biased and communal ideas and hide behind his claim that he is “a secularist to the core”. Our idea of secularism does not deny religious people their right to abide by their religion in a peaceful way which does not hurt anyone else in any way. Rather, true secularism means that the State will not have an official religion and that it will not interfere in the religious beliefs of its citizens.

“Islam is the religion of peace and beard is an important part of Islamic Shariah while Taliban is the name of fundamentalist organization. Therefore to link beard with Taliban is wrong” said Maulana Arshad Madni, the president of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, in a statement. “We have informed the government Islamic opinion about beard. Supreme Court’s duty is to protect laws not to break laws while this decision is totally against Indian law” Maulana mMadni further stated who is on a trip to Britain.

Maulana Mahmood Daryabadi, general secretary of All Indian Ulama Council, while talking to TwoCircles.net called the decision ‘sorrowful’ and said, ‘The verdict is the result of the judges being influenced by the propaganda of communal elements against Islam. No one has the right to interfere in religious affairs. Muslims are duty bound to grow beard and therefore those not doing so consider themselves to be sinful.’ He asked if there was no objection on namaz (prayers) then why on beard.

AIMMM is planning an appeal against the judgment.

(with inputs from Abdul Hameed in Mumbai)

Bihar Haj Committee has no application form, asks aspirants to download from HCI website

By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net

Patna: While the last date of submission of Haj 2009 application form for Muslims in Bihar is May 31, 2009, the Bihar state Haj Committee has not been able to have hard copy of Haj application form so far, and so they have asked aspirants to download the form from the website of Haj Committee of India www.hajcommittee.com.

Bihar state Haj Committee executive Mr. Iftikhar Hassan has informed that those who want to perform Haj in 2009 from Bihar should download Haj forms from the website because forms have not been provided in the office of Bihar Haj Committee. He, however, has assured that as soon as forms reach the office, these will be sent to relevant offices from where people can get that.

He also said that people intending to go for Haj this year will have to submit their filled-in forms with first installment sum of Rs 30700 in Haj Committee of India’s account no. 30683623887 by state bank of India till 31st May. They will have to pay rest of the amount till 31st August 2009.

Mr. Iftikhar Hassan further informed that the international passports must be submitted with the form till 31st May in Bihar Haj Committee office. In case a person could not yet get his passport ready for any reason he will have to submit it till 31st August 2009. He declared that without passport no one can go on Haj. Therefore, the person who does not have passport should not fill the column of passport in Haj form until he submits it.

For any kind of information and assistance one can contact following numbers:

Ph. 0612- 2203316/ 22201665-
Mb. 9852734591/ 9431051392/ 9308078775/9798461383-
Fax No. 0612-2201665-

I respect Islam and Islamic obligation by heart: Justice Katju

By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,

Patna: In a scenario where Muslim leaders are expressing their anger on objectionable remark on beard and burqa by Justice Markandeya Katju, the member of Law Commission of India, Professor Tahir Mahmood and his son Saif Mahmood, advocate of the Supreme Court, met Mr. Katju and informed him about restlessness among Muslim community created by his comment and asked him to explain the matter properly before the people.

Professor Tahir said that though the controversial words are not in written judgment but to end the restiveness of the community an explanation was necessary from Mr. Katju.

In the 2-hour meeting, Justice Katju produced copies of many of his judgment as proofs before Tahir Mahmood, he said that as a judge he always defended rights of minority communities especially Muslims. He expressed his regret that his words were misunderstood.

Mr. Katju assured Mr. Tahir Mahmood that he respects by heart Islam and Islamic obligations and will protect constitutional rights of Muslims in future too.

Mr. Tahir Mahmood requested Mr. Katju to release a statement about this matter and also appealed to Muslims to end this controversy.

Maulana Badruddin Ajmal has an edge in Dhubri LS constituency

By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,

Patna: Perfume baron and Assam United Democratic Front chief Maulana Badruddin Ajmal seems to have got an edge over his rival Congress candidate in Assam’s Dhubri Lok Sabha constituency. People are looking with interest at the seat wherein they expect a direct and tough fight between AUDF and the Congress.

On one hand Congress leaders are campaigning with all strength for the party nominee and sitting MP, Anwar Hussain. Chief Minister of Assam, Mr. Tarun Gogoi is also busy attracting voters in the minority-dominated areas. He has addressed a number of election meetings in the south bank of the district.
On the other hand, AUDF supremo Badruddin Ajmal, who is fighting for Dhubri besides Silcher constituency, is leaving no stone unturned for his victory. He got the upper hand as the AGP-BJP’s candidate Nilimay Prodhani’s nomination was rejected last week. Though AGP-BJP combine is now supporting Arun Das of Rastrabadi Sena – who does not stand anywhere in front of Maulana Ajmal because he is not a familiar figure in the district – the fight is all set to be between AUDF and Congress.

A big plus point for Maulana Badruddin Ajmal is that the ruling Congress has just one MLA in Dhubri district while AUDF has three sitting MLAs in South Salmara, Dhubri and West Bilasipara. Maulana Ajmal himself is representing Dhubri.

Moreover, AUDF president Maulana Ajmal got enough time for campaigning as he had already covered almost all the areas of the Lok Sabha constituency before the announcement of the LS polls.

There are 13, 75,585 electors in the Dhubri LS constituency and the number of Hindu votes is approximately, 4, 50,000. The total electors of three assembly segments represented by AUDF stand at 3, 97,957. In the last Lok Sabha polls, the sitting MP Anwar Hussain retained the seat by securing only three lakhs votes.

Seeing all these facts, observers say that Maulana Badruddin Ajmal will give a tough fight to the Congress sitting MP, Anwar Hussain who has earned displeasure of a sizeable part of minority voters.

Meanwhile, Maulana Badruddin Ajmal, during a rally warned Tarun Gogoi-led Congress Government in the state of a big jolt after the Lok Sabha poll and said that Congress will score zero in the forthcoming electoral battle and the exit of Congress is eminent.

Criticizing the Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and two of his junior colleagues Raqib ul Hussain and Himanta Biswa Sharma, the AUDF supremo said that they have become restless because of the unprecedented rise of his party and hence began to beat about the bush.

On the other hand, the ruling party has alleged that AUDF has entered into a secret understanding with AGP-BJP combine following the rejection of the candidature of Nilimay Prodhani.

Indian theatre lost a prominent star with the demise of Habib Tanvir

By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,

After a long illness at last Habib Tanvir took his last breath at the National Hospital, Bhopal where he was admitted about 20 days ago. He was 85-years old at the time of his death.

Habib Tanvir was one of the most popular Hindi playwrights, a theatre director, poet as well as a successful actor. He wrote many famous plays such as, Agra Bazar (1954) and Charandas Chor (1975). He founded, the Naya Theatre, Theatre Company in Bhopal in 1959.

He received many high ranked awards in his life because of his remarkable contribution for Indian theatre. He got the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1969, Padma Shri in 1983, Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship in 1996, and the Padma Bhushan in 2002.

He had also been nominated as a member of the Rajya Sabha (1972-1978). His play 'Charandas Chor' got him the Fringe Firsts Award at Edinburgh International Drama Festival in 1982.

He was born on September 1, 1923 in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, to Hafiz Ahmed Khan.
After completion of his matriculation from Laurie Municipal High School, Raipur, he completed his B.A. from Morris College, Nagpur in 1944. Thereafter he joined Aligarh Muslim University from where he did his M.A.

Habib Tanvir who was Habib Ahmad Khan in his early life took upon a takhallus, pen name, Tanvir, when he started writing poetry and soon he was being called, Habib Tanvir.

He went to Bombay In 1945 and joined All India Radio (AIR) as a producer along with writing songs for Hindi films and even acted in a few. He also joined the Progressive Writers' Association (PWA) and became an integral part of Indian People's Theatre Association (IPTA) as an actor. Later, when most of prominent IPTA members were imprisoned for opposing the British rule, he was asked to takeover the organization.

After shifting to New Delhi in 1954, Habib Tanvir worked with Qudsia Zaidi’s Hindustani Theatre, and also with Children's theatre, and wrote plenty of plays.

It was during that period he happened to meet actor-director, Moneeka Mishra, whom he married later. In the same year he produced his first significant play 'Agra Bazar' based on the works and times of the plebian 18th-century Urdu poet, Nazir Akbarabadi, an older poet in the generation of Mirza Ghalib.

In 1955, Habib moved to England and spent around three years there. He trained in Acting at Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA) (1955) and in Direction at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School (1956). He also traveled the various places of Europe watching various theatre activities.

He came back to India in 1958 and produced a famous play 'Mitti ki Gaadi'. He founded 'Naya Theatre' a theatre company in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh in 1959 along with his wife, Moneeka Mishra.

Habib has acted in over nine feature films, including Richard Attenborough's film, Gandhi (1982) and, Bhopal Gas Tragedy.

He faced controversy for the first time when his play on religious hypocrisy, 'Ponga Pandit' came in 90s, Though the play was being performed since the sixties, in the charged social climate after the Babri Masjid demolition, the play caused quiet an uproar amongst Hindu fundamentalists, especially the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), whose supporters disrupted many of its shows, and even emptied the auditoriums, yet he continued to show it all over.

Mr. Sanjay Maharishi and Sudhanva Deshpande in 2005 made a documentary film: Gaon ke naon theatre, mor naon Habib (`My village is theatre, my name is Habib') on Habib’s life and the Naya Theatre group. In the same year his wife passed away on May 28.

In 2006, he wrote and directed ‘Raj Rakt’, based on two of Rabindranath Tagore’s works, novel Rajarshi, and play Visarjan.

His most famous plays are: Agra Bazar (1954), Shatranj Ke Mohrey (1954), Lala Shoharat Rai (1954), Mitti ki Gaadi (1958), Gaon ke naon Sasural, mor naon Damand (1973), Gaon ke naon Sasural, mor naon Damand (1973), Uttar Ram Charitra (1977), Bahadur kalarin(1978), Ponga Pandit , Jis Lahore Nai Dekhya (1990), Kamdeo ka Apna Basant Ritu ka Sapna (1993), Zahreeli Hawa (2002), Raj Rakt (2006).

Maulana Naseeruddin on indefinite hunger strike in Sabarmati Jail of Gujarat

By Manzar Bilal,

Patna: Cruelty on Muslim prisoners in Sabarmati Central Jail of Gujarat is going on for last few days. The torture on the Muslim inmates of the Sabarmati jail reached to its peak level. The police personnel of the crime branch were sent especially to torture the Muslim inmates. The hands, legs and teeth of nearly 35 Muslims were broken.

The injured inmates are not provided with medical facilities, their relatives and even lawyers are not allowed to meet them. In protest of this oppression and demand for justice, Maulana Naseeruddin went on indefinite hunger strike from 27th March 2009.

According to Mr. Khalid Shaikh, advocate of Maulana Naseeruddin, when Maulana Naseeruddin came to know about the inhuman behavior of the officials with Muslim inmates, he demanded violence to be stopped, punish the guilty police officials and provide justice to the injured Muslim inmates. Maulana also demanded to provide basic facilities in the jail. But when his demands were taken for granted by the administration, he went on indefinite hunger strike.

It is to be noted that Maulana Naseeruddin is himself in Sabarmati jail, Ahmedabad under high security and undergoing trial on a criminal conspiracy case in Gujarat since 2004. His one son Mohammd Raziuddin Nasir is in Belgam jail in Karnataka on the suspicion of his links with terrorist activities while his eldest son Mohamed Muqeemuddin Yassir is also in jail on the charges of conspiracy to wage war against the nation and two other criminal cases.

Talking toTwoCircles.net Lateef Mohd Khan, general secretary of Civil Liberties Monitoring Committee, said that Maulana Naseeruddin owned a workshop and was a prominent personality not only among Muslims but also among dalits. His speeches were liked by the people especially youths were fond of that. But he was only inspiring people to follow Islamic teachings nothing else.

However, Maulana has said that he would continue hunger strike unless justice is done to the Muslim inmates because fight for justice is his duty.

Civil Liberties Monitoring Committee (CLMC) in its statement expressed its deep concern over the indefinite hunger strike by Maulana and deteriorating condition of his health. It also expressed its solidarity with Maulana and sent appeal on national and international level to stop atrocities.

Expressing its grief on present condition of Sabarmati jail CLMC termed it similar to the Abu Gharib and Gauntanamo Bay torture cells.

CLMC has sent report to National Human Rights Commission, National Commission for Minorities and Amnesty International and appealed to end violence and ensure the justice to inmates.

CLMC also sent an appeal to the chief Justice of India to intervene into the situation by keeping in view the Gujarat situation and for the greater cause of the humanity and also appealed to the people to show solidarity towards Maulana Naseeruddin and the prisoners of the Sabarmati jail of Ahmedabad by sending their appeals to President, Voice President, Chief Justice, Prime Minister, Home Minister, National Human Rights Commission and National Commission for Minorities.

Demand for inclusion of Maulana Asrarul Haque in the ministry

By Manzar Bilal TwoCircles.net,

It is a fact that Muslims have played a vital role in remarkable victory of Congress and its allies in recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.

Announcement of the ministers for the new government has disappointed Muslims since they are again under represented in the ministry. Muslims have demanded an increase in the number of Muslim ministers. .

Senior Congress leader Mr. Anil Shastry, son of former Prime Minister of India Mr. Lal Bahadur Shastry, in his letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh demanded to include more Muslims in ministry.

However, Bihar which had three Muslim ministers in last UPA government has been fully neglected this time. Maulana Asrarul Haque Qasmi, the lone successful Muslim candidate on Congress ticket from Bihar, was also not included in ministry.

Maulana Qasmi won from Kishanganj Lok Sabha seat winning 38% of votes in a four-cornered contest.

Urdu newspapers of Bihar carry this demand by Muslims across the state that Maulana Asrarul Haque be given a birth in the ministry but there has been complete silence by the Congress on this issue.

“To include Maulana Asrarul Haque in the ministry is in the favour of Congress which may help it in assembly election. Otherwise it may lose the Muslims votes. Therefore, Congress should immediately include Maulana in ministry” said Rizwan Sarfrazi, a social activist.

“Maulana Asraul haque is not only a prominent Islamic scholar but also a national level social activist who is known because of his selfless services among the people. Congress should give him place in ministry so that he can work for welfare of the people more powerfully otherwise we launch a protest against it” said Naushad Alam, a Congress leader from Kishanganj.

A team of religious and political leaders includes ex MP Anwarul Haque, Maulana Sadre Alam Nomani, general secretary of Jamiat Ulema Sitmarhi, Maulana Muneer Alam mohtamim Madarsa Islamia Arabia, Sitamarhi jointly sent a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Ms. Sonia Gandhi and demanded to include Maulana Asrarul Haque in ministry.

“Why Muslims have been neglected? Is there any conspiracy against Muslims? Muslims will be angry with Congress until Maulana is given a place in the ministry” they wrote.

“Bihar Congress needs to get its position in the state. For that it is necessary to include Maulana Asrarul Haque in the ministry as there is not a single minister from Bihar” said senior advocate Shams Jalili adding “Inclusion of Maulana Asrarul Haque in ministry is so important that even former Bihar chief minister and JDU leader Mr. Sunder Das also demanded that.”

In Kishanganj thousand of people sent faxes to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, UPA chairperson Ms. Sonia Gandhi and Congress general secretary Mr. Rahul Ghandhi in which they demanded inclusion of Maulana Asrarul Haque in ministry. Earlier a large number of people came out on the road protesting against Congress and submitted memorandum to the district magistrate.

“Congress humiliated and laughed at Muslim community by not giving place Maulana Asrarul Haque Qasmi in ministry” said noted journalist Mr. Iftikhar Azim.

Maulana Wali Rahmani exhorts Muslim community to emulate Rahmani-30

By Manzar Bilal and Mudassir Rizwan, TCN,

Patna: Overwhelmed with the accolades flowing in from across the country for the remarkable success of the Rahmani-30 coaching centre in IIT-JEE, its patron and Sajjada Nashin, Khanqah Rahmani of Munger, Maulana Syed Mohammad Wali Rahmani has urged the community leadership to emulate and expand the experience of Rahmani-30.

Addressing a program held at Anjuman Islamia Hall in Patna yesterday to felicitate Rahmani-30’s successful IIT-JEE students, teachers and administration, Maulana Rahmani, patron of Rahmani Foundation that runs the coaching centre opened last year for poor but talented Muslim students aspiring for IIT-JEE, emphasized on opening similar institutions to train Muslim youths for medical and journalism.

Urging the audience, particularly pointing to S M Ashraf Farid, chief editor of Bihar’s leading Urdu daily Qaumi Tanzeem, and Ahmad Ashfaque Kareem, the founder of Katihar Medical College, who were sitting in the hall, Maulana Rahmani said people should come forward to serve the community using their abilities and means that they own. “Mr. Farid should open a centre to train community’s youths in journalism and Mr, Ashfaque should manage coaching for Muslim youths for medical,” he said.

The first batch of Rahmani-30 comprising 10 students had appeared for the all India IIT-JEE, and all of them cleared the test. Since the results were declared on May 25, the telephone of Maulana Rahmani has not stopped ringing. He has received appreciation from as far as Kerala and Maharashtra.

“Within these two days I have received proposal from Maharashtra, Kolkata, Jamshedpur and Kerala etc. to establish centers there and got congratulation not only from the state but also from all over the country” said Maulana Rahmani.

While appreciating the contribution of administration of Rahmani-30, Maulana said: “The community salutes Mr. Abhiyanad and his team for their selfless services, this is a big reward for them because there are many people who are more experts than these teachers and they are earning money but not honors as these teachers got” he stated. Abhiyanad, ADGP (Bihar Military Police), is the founder of Super-30. Last year at the request of Maulana Rahmani he agreed to render his services for Rahmani-30.

Addressing the successful candidates Mr. Ashfaque Kareem said: “It is the beginning, you will have to continue your efforts and go far ahead then surly some of you will be A.P.J Abdul Kalam.” Though I am founder of Katihar Medical College but I feel envy of this great service and I wish I could do that” he added.

Shafeeqe Mashadi of Millat Education Society which provided the building to Rahmani-30, said: “When you complete your course you must remember your past and try to do for others as your teachers did for you.” He also announced a cash reward of Rs 5,000 for each student on behalf of the Millat Education Society.

Some teachers of Rahmani-30 also shared their experience with the audience

“In previous years when results of IIT-JEE came I found some Muslim students from Bihar in the list after much search. But this time when results came out my happiness knew no bounds when I saw the names of all 10 students of Rahmani-30 on front page of national newspaper Indian Express” said Mr. Shakir, one of the teachers of Rahmani-30.

Mathematics teacher of Rahmani-30 Mr. Javed Ahmad while expressing his feeling said: “Instead of blaming for partiality our youths should concentrate on study then surely they will get success.” “The work started by Maulana Rahmani under the guidance of Abhiyanad ji is going in right direction. That’s why the coaching centre got 100% results. Here I did not only teach the students but also learnt how to motivate students.”

The program was attended by prominent personalities, dignitaries, intellectuals as well as common citizens.

Link:

http://www.twocircles.net/rahmani30.html

Urdu speakers responsible for poor condition of Urdu newspapers

By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,

Urdu language was born and brought up in India. It played a key role in the freedom of the country. But unfortunately after independence the language has been consistently discriminated, and consequently today it finds itself as a stranger in its own birth land. Urdu newspapers and magazines are facing various challenges while their number is decreasing day by day. Bihar’s leading Urdu daily Qaumi Tanzeem’s News Editor Rashid Ahmad talks to Manzar Bilal of TwoCircles.net on the difficulties being faced by Urdu newspapers today.

Why do you think Urdu newspapers are in critical condition today?

There are two root causes. First, Urdu readers excuse for buying Urdu newspapers and say that they do not contain much material. But I think it is an escape not excuse because even low class people easily spend Rs.10-15 on tea, cigarettes, bidi and other things but when it comes to buy Urdu newspapers worth Rs. 1-3 they try to put every kind of excuse. I do not know from where the trend came but it is a fact today that a person well versed in Urdu and also knows English wants an English newspaper and magazine in his bedroom not Urdu. They consider it humiliation to have Urdu newspapers. A South Indian buys an English newspaper but along with a newspaper in his mother language. Similarly a Bengali speaking person takes an English newspaper but does not forget to read a Bengali newspaper.

News Editor Rashid Ahmad, Qaumi Tanzeem, Patna

Second, Urdu newspapers do not receive much advertisement like English newspapers while advertisement is necessary for a newspaper to be in market because no newspaper can be run only on the subscription charges. For example, publication of a regular issue of Hindustan Times or Times of India costs Rs 24-28 but available in market for Rs.3-4 only by the virtue of advertisement.

Why Urdu newspapers do not receive sufficient advertisement?

Private and business advertisement is offered to a newspaper according to its circulation and Urdu newspapers are oppressed by its own readers because they do not want to read them; thus the circulation of Urdu newspapers is going down. Yes, Urdu newspapers receive government advertisement but it covers only 40% of the expenses and for the rest owners depend on subscription charges. Second thing is that Urdu newspapers are published generally by those persons whose income is dependent on the papers only. This is not the case with English newspapers as most of their owners are corporates who run newspapers only to escape from tax payment. Therefore, they are not dependent on income from their newspapers. So, they invest all income from newspapers in newspapers themselves.

Is it true that Urdu newspapers publish old news?

It is wrong to say Urdu newspapers publish old news stories which have been already published elsewhere. I think this is a fake tale and based on assumption not any survey or experience. After all, when we have Internet, news agencies and correspondents why we should publish old news. Yes, it is true that sometimes a news story is published in a newspaper on one day and the same news is published in another newspaper the next day but this does not happen only with Urdu newspapers but you would find this in English newspapers also.

People say that Urdu newspapers do not change with time. What do you say?

We try our best to run with the time but we cannot go beyond of our limits. In fact we cannot go with English newspapers because we do not have as much money as English newspapers have and we do not have money because we do not receive advertisement in good number. It means each one is based upon another.

How should the problem be tackled?

The role of Urdu readers is very important to develop Urdu newspapers. They should pay attention towards helping it by buying and reading it. It is a tragedy that despite being a big newspaper, Qaumi Tanzeem has only 68 thousand readers in Bihar and Jharkhand.

Second way to overcome the problem is that wealthy persons who would not depend entirely on the income from the paper should come in the field. Roznama Rashtriya Sahara is being published from many states only because his owner is a corporate and does not depend on its income.

Did Roznama Rashtriya Sahara affect the readership of Qaumi Tanzeem?

I do not think so because to break old readership is very difficult. Yes, it is good that Sahara made its own readers. Yet, there are a large number of readers to be covered.

What is your message for Urdu readers?

I request all of them to read Urdu more and more to help the language survive in the country and only then we can publish Urdu newspapers in a better shape with good materials.

Link:

http://qaumitanzeem.com/sheh_surkhi.htm

Table Ranganath Mishra Report in Parliament: Bihar Legislative Council

By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,

Patna: In a major development likely to put pressure on the Central Government the Bihar Legislative Council yesterday passed a resolution demanding tabling of the Ranganath Mishra Commission Report in Parliament.

It was RJD leader Mr. Tanveer Hassan who first presented the resolution which was later supported by members of almost all parties.

Mr. Tanveer Hassan said that many commissions and committees have been set up to enquire the sorry condition of Muslim community but unfortunately their recommendations were not implemented so far. Moreover, common people do not know about the recommendations made by many commissions because these were not made public.

He criticized the central government for not bringing the Ranganath Mishra Commission Report into public so far and demanded to table it in Parliament without further delay. Then he appealed to both ruling and opposition parties’ members to approve the resolution.

Mr. Mondrika Singh Yadav of RJD, Mr. Kidar Pande of CPI and some other leaders stood up and supported it and said that common people want to know the details of Ranganath Mishra Commission Report, so Bihar government should recommend the central government to table the report in Parliament.

Responding to this demand state energy minister Mr. Vejender Parsad Yadav said that Bihar government itself is in the favor of tabling the report in Parliament. For that it will appeal to the centre.

Muslims must grab benefits of centre’s minority scholarship schemes

By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,

Patna: Bihar Minority Chhatrawiritti Morcha (means Bihar minority scholarship front BMCM) has urged Muslim students to grab the benefits from educational scholarship schemes of the central government for minority students. The convener of BMCM, Mr. Irshad Hussain appealed to Muslim students to fill up the forms for 2009-10 scholarship and submit that as soon as possible.

“The scholarship scheme for pre-metric and post-metric has been announced and the last date for submission of application is 15 August 2009. Therefore, we request Muslim students to come out in large number to grab the opportunity. We are ready to help them about that if they feel any problem” said Mr. Irshad Hussain.

“Almost 50,000 minority students from Bihar get benefits every year by central government’s scholarship schemes and the same is available in this year. But we are sorry to say that the scholarship of 2008-9 yet to be distributed among students. Moreover, the students who have been selected for the scholarship have not been informed. We appeal to government to solve this problem immediately” he demanded.

“For the benefit of the students we have put on internet the district wise names of those students who have been selected for 2008-9 pre-metric and post-metric scholarship. Student can easily see their names in their district column on www.irshadsio.blog.com” he informed.

Mr. Irshad also said that for the running year scholarship BMCM is publishing forms in large number and soon will be distributed in different places.

For information and to get forms of any kind of scholarship students and guardians should contact SIO office, Sheesh Mahal Colony, Alamganj, Patna 7.

http://www.twocircles.net/2009jul20/muslims_must_grab_benefits_centre_s_minority_scholarship_schemes.html

RJD members walk out Bihar Assembly on funds for minority districts

By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,

Patna: RJD members of Bihar Assembly walked out of the House on minority issue yesterday. They were protesting as they did not get satisfactory reply from state minister for minority affairs Mr. Shahid Ali Khan when they wanted to know as to why any welfare scheme has not been seen in the seven listed minority concentrated districts for which the central government provided funds.

It is noted that central government in April 2008 granted Rs 523.20 crore for the development of seven MCDs in Bihar: Kishanganj, Araria, Purnia, Katihar, Sitamarhi, West Champaran and Darbhanga.

Answering the question Mr. Shahid Ali Khan had said: “In February 2009 central government approved Rs 36.63 crore for the welfare schemes in Darbhanga, Katihar and Araria and we have been provided Rs 16.75 crore for the first term. While in May 2009 Rs 74.72 crore has been approved for Stamarhi, Purnia, and Kishanganj but unfortunately we did not receive the amount.”

“Our ministry has appealed to Centre to provide the amount for this.We have sent a latter to the Centre on 11th June 2009” said Mr. Shahid Ali Khan.

He further said that so far Rs 111.5 crore has been approved by central government for six out of seven selected districts and ministry of minority welfare is preparing to implement the schemes in these districts.

No sooner Mr. Khan finished his answers than RJD senior leaders such as Abdul Bari Siddiqee, Shakeel Ahmad Khan, Akhtrul Iman, and Md. Nehaluddin etc. stood up and opened a barrage of questions and blamed that these schemes of the central government would be implemented by the committee of 15 points program but unfortunately the committee has not been formed in these districts that is sign of carelessness of the state government. Later RJD members boycotted the Assembly and walked out raising slogans against the government.

MP Maulana Qasmi lobbying for AMU campus in Kishanganj

By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,

Patna: It was one of the hot news stories during the recently conducted Lok Sabha elections that Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) campus would be established in Kishanganj district of Bihar also. This news brought smile on the faces of those minority students who have talent and capacity for higher education but can not access to any good university due to their poverty and lack of sources.

But as election came to an end government became silent on the issue of establishment of the campus which is ending the hopes of poor students. Local media says that the AMU campus which was to be established in Kishanganj now would be in Murshidabad district of West Bengal because Bihar government did not show interest in providing land required for the campus.

Recently a team of Muslim intellectuals requested Lok Sabha Member from Kishanganj Maulana Asrarul Haque Qasmi to intervene. Maulana Asrarul Haque Qasmi met AMU Vice Chancellor Mr. Abdul Azis and appealed to him to open the AMU campus in Kishanganj, saying that the district has 67% Muslim population but they are lagging in both education and economic fields.

Mr. Abdul Azis said that AMU decided to open its campuses in Bhopal (MP), Kishanganj (Bihar), Murshidabad (West Bengal), Malapuram (Kerala) and Pune (Maharashtra) and appealed to the related states to provide at least 300 acres of land for the purpose. While some states kept silent on the matter Bihar chief minister Mr. Nitish Kumar promised to provide land but he did not take any action for that.

Maulana Asrarul Haque Qasmi informed the media persons that AMU VC promised that as soon as land is provided he will take steps to open a campus in Kishanganj.

Maulana Qasmi said that he would apply his all sources and make efforts to open the campus in Kishanganj. For that he will soon meet chief minister Mr. Nitish Kumar and would request to provide land as soon as possible. Your browser may not support display of this image.

In the Budget 2009-10, the Central government has allocated Rs 25 crore each for the AMU campus in Kerala and West Bengal.

Bhagalpur riot victims awaiting Rs 30 cr sent by Centre in Mar

By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,

Patna: By March 30, 2009 the Central Government had sent Bihar Government Rs 30 crore as compensation for Bhagalpur riot victims. It is four months but 22 injured and families of 844 slain are still awaiting the fund – they don’t know how long the wait will be. Maybe till near the next assembly elections so that the JDU-BJP combine Government of Nitish Kumar could claim minority votes.

The first installment of Rs 10 crore was sent to the Bihar government on 28 January. Within 45 days the amount was to be distributed and certificates of the distribution were to be sent to the centre but state government did not pay the amount to the victims. Yet, the central government dispatched the rest amount of Rs 19.81 crore on 30 March.

Seeing the dreadful condition of victims of infamous anti-Muslim Bhagalpur riot (1989) Central Government had decided to provide them with especial package to bring them on the track of normal life. For that central government asked Bihar government to prepare a list of the victims.

Bihar government sent a list of 844 slain and 22 injured people to the center. On the basis of that, central government allotted around Rs 30 crore for the welfare of riot victims.

It is to be noted that central government decided to pay Bhagalpur riot (1989) victims on the pattern of anti-Sikh riot (1984) which is 3.50 lakh for family of each slain and 1.25 lakh for each injured.

Four months have passed and victims are yet to receive the relief funds. Moreover, the monthly pension of Rs, 2500 which was granted by state government for the riot victims also did not reach them for last seven months. Therefore, they are in pitiable condition.

The president of Muslim United Front, Mr. Abu Qaiser expressed his anguish over this behavior of the state government and blamed that it is playing a political game over the fund.

Notably, Mr. Abu Qaiser made much effort for the Bhagalpur riot victims and played a vital role to bring the justice and to grant relief package for them.

Talking to TwoCircles.net Mr. Abu Qaiser said: “Bihar government either eating the interest of that central relief amount or planning to take political benefit of that in next assembly election by distributing the fund on that occasion.”

“Nitish Kumar claims to be well wisher of minority community and every day announces various kinds of scheme for the welfare of Muslims but hardly any of them is implemented. When he is not interested to implement center’s schemes for the welfare of minority then how he can implement his own welfare project for them?” Mr. Abu Qaiser asked.

“We will not tolerate the further emotional exploitation of Muslim community. Therefore, we are going to launch a movement which will start from Bhagalpur on 30 July to disclose the fact before the community that Nitish Kumar is also trying to use Muslim community as vote-bank. We will hand over memorandum to the Governor of Bihar and also send it to President of India demanding to intervene in the matter and to take action against state government” he said.

Mr. Abu Qaiser also alleged that Bihar government sent the list of only 844 slain and 22 injured people while reality is beyond that.

“ Nitish government prepared many schemes for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Castes to bring them to developed line but he did not include Muslims while 32 castes among them deserve inclusion in those schemes” he said.

Mr. Abu Qaiser requested all Muslims to work together for Bhagalpur riot victims saying that it is our religious and moral responsibility to fight for victims.

“All Muslim organizations should come forward to bring the actual right of Bhagalpur riot victims because their condition is very bad. They have lost all the things in carnage and now they are forced to beg. State government cried during recently concluded Lok Sabha election about Bhagalpur riot victims but now is mum. So it is clear that all were only for political gain” he added.

Cautious welcome to Centre’s proposed Central Madrasa Board

Submitted by admin4 on 23 January 2009 - 11:38pm.

• Articles
• Indian Muslim

By Najam Gilani and Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,

Union Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Arjun Singh has recently announced that a Central Madrasa Board will be created and thereafter madrasa certificates will become equivalent to those of CBSE and affiliates of the Council of Board of School Education (COBSE). TwoCircles.net reporters visited some madrasas in Mumbai and Patna to get their views.

While the proposal has not gone down well with some madrasas in Mumbai, saying government should first care about 96% of educated Muslims who are not madrasa graduates yet jobless, Bihar’s prestigious Madrasa Shamsul Hoda in Patna has wholeheartedly welcomed it but with a rider: sanctity and identity of madarsas should not get diluted. Both the cities are united on one point: the announcement could be a political gimmick.

HRD minister’s announcement has once again brought into limelight the issue of modernizing the madrasa education system for mainstreaming madrasa students across the country and helping them clear way to higher education. The HRD Ministry is all set to issue a notification to the effect and grant madrasa certificates equivalence to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).

The proposal will benefit around 7000 madrasas and 3.5 lakh students in seven states of the country that have madrasa boards namely Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Orrisa, Assam and West Bengal. This will also apply to madrasa certificates already issued. In states which do not have madrasa boards, the students will have an option to approach a madarsa board in a neighboring state to avail of the CBSE equivalence.

The Sachar Committee, appointed to review the status of minorities across the country, had made the recommendation. The suggestion has also been recommended on the PM’s 15-point programme for minorities.

So far, only a few universities including Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), Jamia Hamdard and Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) accept students from madrasas for direct entry into various undergraduate courses. These universities issue a list of recognised madrasas from which they admit students into various programmes.

Reacting to the HRD minister’s announcement Principal of Madrasa Islamia Shamsuul Hoda Abdul Kalam Qasmi Shasmi told TwoCircles.net: "I welcome this decision of the government which certainly will benefit the Muslim students.”

He also said that he has spoken to several madrasas across the state to know their view and all of them are happy with the announcement. “Anything which is done for the uplift of community/society we welcome that, there is no question of any disagreement,” he said adding a rider. “Though we welcome all the decision but it should be done keeping in mind that sanctity and identity of madrasas should not get diluted,” Abul Kalam Qasmi said.

The other important question according to him is that from where the teachers will come to teach the C.B.S.E course to madarsa students. “No doubts it's a welcome announcement, but who will teach the students.” It should not be done just for the sake of politics—a mere announcement."

Most madarsa graduates in Mumbai have doubts about this proposal and they are not sure about the intention of the government.

Mufti Asadullah Qasmi strongly condemned this proposal of the government arguing that why government is worried about only four per cent Muslim children attending madrasas. “It should care first the ninety six per cent Muslim students as most of them are still jobless. We have seen the sorry condition of madrasas which are related to Madrasa Board. So, the first and most important is to standardise the madrasa system of education,” said Mufti Asadullah Qasmi to TCN.

“If this proposal is about all kinds of madrasas then we demand government firs to have successful experience with those madrasa which is under the Madrasa Boards then apply it to independent madrasas. If it is only for madrasas related to Madrasa Board then it is nothing only to make fool the Muslim community before forthcoming elections because it is already recognized,” said Maulana Zakir Qasmi, a teacher at Madrasa Talimul Qur’an in Malad, Mumbai.

As government made clear that the step has been taken to provide job opportunities for out-coming students of madrasa Maulana Abdullah Marufi said, “If government is really serious about job problems of Muslim youths then it should give reservation first. As far as madrasas are concerned they are doing their service and they should not be disturbed.”

However, many are supporting the move to form central madrasa board.

“We do not need any assistance of the government but the formation of Central Madrasa Board can benefit the madrasas related to Madrasa Board.,” said Hafiz Saeed, Mohtamim of Madrasa Madinatul Ma’arif in Jogeshwari, Mumbai, adding that the announcement is not enough but the government needs to appoint teachers on the basis of qualification and to keep on investigating the quality of education offered in these madrasas and always to have eye on management. Otherwise, this proposal will not have any benefits as corruption is occupied everywhere.”

“It would be a positive step because the need of the hour is to introduce some changes and amendments to the madrasa syllabus in order to keep pace with the times and fulfill the requirements of this modern age. But not so much that the real purpose of Madrasa Education will be missed,” said Maulana Irfan Nadvi Qasmi who is working at an office as translator of English to Arabic and vice versa.

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Movement launched for official status of Urdu in Bihar

By Manzar Bilal and Mudassir Rizwan,

Patna: Though Urdu became second official language in Bihar in 1981 during the regime of Dr. Jagannath Mishra, unfortunately it is yet to enjoy this status fully as the order mostly remained on paper. Bihar Awami Urdu Nifaz Committee launched a state wide movement in Patna today against the discrimination with Urdu.





More than a quarter century after the order, today one can hardly find Urdu knowing officers in government offices. The reason is that Urdu knowing officers and workers have not been appointed for a long time after retirement of previous officers.

Moreover, the officers who have been appointed as Urdu officers have been directed to perform other work not related to Urdu.

The Bihar Awami Urdu Nifaz Committee held a peaceful and non-political agitation at Kargil Chowk in Patna on 21st July and demanded full implementation of the order making Urdu the second official language of the state.





Ashraf Asthanvi, the convener of the Committee, said that this is not a movement of any particular party, organization and religion but it is of all those who have space for Urdu in their hearts.

Talking to TwoCircles.net Mr. Ashraf Asthanvi said: “Though Urdu language has been accepted as secondary official language by the government it is yet to get its place in offices from the assembly to secretariat to block level. Urdu Teachers and professors are not being appointed in schools, colleges and universities for the posts fallen vacant.”





Asked about the purpose of the agitation he said: “We want complete implementation of the recommendation made by government in 1981 and legal action against those offices that put barrier in the way of Urdu” said Mr. Ashraf.

On the future course of action of the committee, he said: “We are going to launch a state-wide agitation which has been started today. We will hold programs in every district of the state and form committees at districts level. Soon we will organize a big program in Gandhi Maidan, Patna wherein Urdu loving people will participate in large number from all parts of the state then we will submit memorandum to the honorable governor of the state demanding immediate action regarding this aspect.”





Mr. Mubarak Hussain, president of Bihar Urdu Molazmieen Union, told TCN: “Every government that came to power in the state took some decision in favor of Urdu but some narrow-minded officers did not let them implement and we Urdu speakers have been silent. Two years back Nitish kumar government ordered to establish Urdu Training Centers in all the districts to train those officers who are unaware of Urdu. In Patna the office for the center was established but soon after it was transferred into storeroom where garbage are being put.”

“In 1995 government separated Urdu directorate but unfortunately its director was not given power as head of the department which means he can not take action against those officers who commit mistakes and also he can not reward to those who do any appreciable work. This made it meaningless” Mr. Mubarak Hussain said.

Addressing the program, Advocate Mr. Shakeel Ahsan said “It was our fault that we could not move to implement the decision taken by government about Urdu. But I am happy that we started a movement under the banner of Awami Urdu Nifaz committee so we request them not to stop it here but go with it to every street of the state till our purpose is served.”

“Urdu is not the language of Muslims but it is the language of India which has played a vital role in freedom of the country but because of discrimination of some officers Urdu was pushed aside in every field” said Mr. Bari Azmi, a Congress leader.

Mr. Arshad, a social activist, said: “We should make the problems of Urdu a political issue and demand parties to solve that in exchange of votes. We should also gather youths to empower our movement.”

On the occasion Mr. Ashraf Asthanvi informed people that on 5th June 2009 then Bihar governor Mr. R.L Bhatia sent a latter to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar about implementation of Urdu at official level. Mr. Nitish Kumar after having a glance on the latter on 10th June 2009 sent it to chief sectary and chief secretary forwarded this latter on 11th June 2009 to chief of the Urdu directorate Mr. Gresh Shanker. But after that where the latter has gone no one knows. When Mr. Gresh Shanker was asked about that he denied and said he did not receive any such latter.