Patna: Considering Muslim votes crucial for victory, the state ruling party Janata Dal-United (JD-U) has given good representation to Muslims in its newly constituted state committee. The state assembly elections will be held later this year. Since the last assembly by-poll in which several seats were won by Lalu Yadav’s RJD and Ram Vilas Paswan’s LJP pushing JD-U at No. 3, the party and its leader and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar have taken several measures to please Muslims.
Mr. Vijay Kumar Choudhary, who was elected state JD-U president last month after Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lallan Singh resigned from the post because of differences with Chief Minister Mr. Nitish Kumar, re-constituted the state committee yesterday.
As assembly election is expected to be held later this year, Mr. Vijay Kumar in his new team tried to give representation to all the sections of the people including Muslims and women. He also tried to calm the internal conflict within the party by giving due share to supporters of Nitish Kumar and Lallan Singh.
The most powerful committee called state executive committee has 75 members which include Ali Anwar, Monazir Hassan, Aslam Azad, Maulana Ghulam Rasool Balyavi, Fayyaz Bhaqalpuri and Masroor Alam.
Azim-ul-Haq, Mohammad Nematullah, Sulaiman Qureshi, Mohammad Ubaidullah, Mukhtar Ansari, Shameem Raza are among 42 state vice-presidents.
Javed Mahmood, Badr Alam Badr, Riyazul Haq, Mohammad Razaullah, Kahkushan Perveen, Ashraf Ansari, Nazima Begham, Mohammad Sufri, Dr. Naseem Ahmad Siddiqi, Pervez Khan, Qamr Alam, Chautan Khan, Ali Imam Bharti and Mustaqim Rangrez have been given places in the list of 87 general secretaries.
58 persons have been named as state secretaries which include Raziya Kaleem Ansari, Israeel Mansoori, Surayya Shihab, Shahnaz Bano, Maqsood Ansari, Soofiya Akhter Ansari, Anjum Aara, Tazammul Khan, Mohammad Sattar, Mohammad Mansoor Alam, Saeeda Bano, Mohammad Shamshad Alam and Mohammad Firoz Alam.
Abu Talib Rahmani has been elected president of state Minority Cell which fell vacant after Mr. Razaullah was promoted as state vice president while Mr. Faisal Rahman has been made president of state Youth Cell.
Bangalore: Ignoring the agitation from several Muslim, Dalit and other Minorities organizations and protest by opposition parties of the state, Karnataka government led by BJP passed the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Bill, 2010 which tramples upon the traditional food habits of people and reflects an attempt to impose Hindutva agenda in a democratic country.
The Bill, which effectively bans beef in Karnataka was passed March 19th when the bill got passage through voice-vote in the State Assembly despite all opposition parties including Congress and Janata Dal (S) strongly opposing it and shouted anti-government slogans in the house.
Karnataka had earlier an act called Karnataka Prevention of Cow Slaughter and Cattle Prevention Act. That act though prohibited cow slaughter but one could do that with the condition of getting certificate from the competent authority which allowed slaughter of cow that was over 12 year old or had permanent physical problem and useless for the owners. However, under that act people could eat and use the beef freely after obtaining it from legal places.
But this existing law was not enough for the Sangh Privar and the BJP and they brought a new law called Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Bill, 2010. This law not only bans slaughter of cattle, purchase, sale and disposal of cattle for slaughter but also prohibits usage and possession of beef which means a complete ban on beef eating. In this new law the word cow has been deleted which indicates that there is no difference between cow and ox in this regard and the same punishment is applicable for both. This means one can not sell his cow which is no longer gives milk or ox which is past its prime age.
Surprisingly, as per the act if seller or buyer is busy in deal and suspected by government officers that the cattle shall be slaughtered they will be deemed as committing crime. It gives unwanted power to the officers.
Anyone is found guilty of violating the new act is punishable with imprisonment for minimum one year and maximum seven years or fine with Rs 25,000 to Rs 1 lakh or both.
Popular Front of India (PFI) which has been in front row of opposing the bill has strongly condemned this action of state BJP government and termed it anti-people and against spirit of democracy.
Talking to TwoCircles.net, Karnataka PFI president Mr. Ilyas Mohammad said: “We are opposing this bill because it snatches the right of food habits of a large number of people and anti-people as it will leave unemployed many Muslims who have been connected with the sale of beef and purchase and sale of cow and will badly affect those who have been involved in processing other things such as bones, hide etc. and also those who have been earning livelihood through fabricating and repairing products of leather.”
He also said instead of solving the problems faced by people in the state with such law government is creating more problem for the people.
Asked about others who opposing the bill he said: “We have been protesting against this Bill for long time and many organizations are with us. Last month we organized a state level protest rally in association with Karnataka Beef Merchants Association and Karnataka Komu Souharda Vedike and which was backed by Tipu United Front, Stephens Square Merchants Association, Social Democratic Party of India, Praja Vimochana Chaluvali, Karnataka Dalit Sangharsh Samiti and Samatha Sainik Dal. But unfortunately BJP government ignored people sentiment and got the Bill passed.”
“The clause 14 of the Bill opens the door for misuse of it as it says that if anyone is found abetting any offence punishable under the act or attempts to commit the same also will get punishment. But there is no explanation that what is exactly meant by abetment which is very dangerous and many innocents may be target under this clause.” He added.
Asked about the next step he said: “PFI is raising voice against the Bill and will try to unite the like-minded organizations and groups as well as secular parties to put pressure on state government to revoke the controversial Bill.”
It is notable here that beef is not only eaten by Muslims but also Dalits, Christians, Tribals and many others prefer it as cheap way of consuming protein.
Batla House encounter victims Atif Ameen and Mohd Sajid were hit by ‘blunt force impact by object or surface’, besides multiple gunshot wounds. The post-mortem report, a copy of which is with TwoCircles.net, has confirmed this. The family members and relatives of the two terror suspects of Azamgarh, who gave them last bath, had claimed the bodies had multiple injuries of brutal beating. The million dollar question: why the police had to resort to beating of the suspects during a ‘genuine’ encounter.
Whether Atif Ameen and Mohd Sajid were involved in terror activities only the court can decide. But genuineness of the September 2008 Batla House encounter in which the two Azamgarh youths were killed has been contested since the day one on various counts. The injury marks other than the gunshot wounds on their bodies were presented by the families and several independent fact finding teams and human rights activists as strong proof that the encounter was fake and the duo were killed pointblank.
This is the first time since the encounter that the post-mortem report has come into public, thanks to tireless efforts of RTI activist Afroz Alam Sahil, a Jamia Millia Islamia student. To get this post-mortem report he knocked at every suitable door – Delhi police, AIIMS, Central Information Commission and National Human Rights Commission, but was shunted out on one ground or the other. Ultimately today he received the report from NHRC.
The four-page post-mortem report of Atif Amen says the cause of death was “shock and haemorrhage as a result of multiple injuries as described. All the injuries are produced by firearm ammunition except injury no 7 which is produced by blunt force impact by object or surface.”
In total the 24-year-old had 21 injuries on his body and all the injuries were “antemortem in nature,” says the report. Of 21, the number of gunshot wounds was 16.
Describing the injury no 7, the report says it was “reddish brown abrasion of 1.5x1 cm over outer and interior aspect of right knee cap.”
Similarly, Mohd Sajid, who had five bullet holes on the upper side of the head, was also beaten with blunt object.
His four-page post-mortem report mentions the cause of death was “craniocerebral damage as a result of gunshot injuries to head.”
Sajid had 14 injuries on his body. “Injury no. 1-12 are produced by firearm ammunition while injury no 13 and 14 are produced by blunt force impact on surface or by object,” confirms the report adding all the injuries were antemortem in nature.
Describing injury no. 13 the report says it was “4x2 cm abrasion, red in colour over back of chest in midline” and injury no. 14 was “laceration of size 3.5x2cm horizontally over front of right leg in the middle.”
Of 14, he had 11 gunshot wounds.
The two-page report of Inspector Mohan Chand Sharma who sustained bullet injuries during the shootout mentions the cause of death as “haemorrhagic shock due to firearm injury to abdomen.”
While mentioning antemortem injuries on Inspector Sharma, the report prominently says the entry wound on left shoulder and left upper arm was explored and debrided. Similarly, the exit wound on left arm and 10 cm below left shoulder top and 8 cm above left elbow joint was also explored and debrided. The post mortem report also says that it is alleged the deceased sustained injuries during cross firing in a police encounter in Jamia Nagar on 19/09/2008, he was taken to Holy Family hospital where he died the same day at 7 pm.
Ballarpur (Maharashtra): Five Muslims are on indefinite hunger strike since March 9, 2010 in Ballarpur town in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra. They are demanding tough action against police officer Aslam Khan who is an inspector at Ghughes police station of the town. They blamed the officer to hurt their religious sentiment during the Miladun Nabi procession.
According to Safeer Ahmad, a local resident, on February 27th when local Muslims were taking out Eid Miladun Nabi procession in the city then suddenly inspector Aslam Khan reached there and used filthy language regarding the religious procession and threatened to stop it.
“The procession was going well like every year but the inspector came and said ‘stop this drama.’ This sentence made people angry which led to scuffle between people and police. The dispute damaged the display of Gumbad-e-Khazra then people refused to take procession forward unless the inspector is punished. After that SP reached the spot and appealed to take the juloos at conclusive place. He assured action against the inspector,” narrated Safeer Ahmad to TwoCircles.net.
After the incident despite several requests by the people, police did not file FIR against the inspector. On the contrary FIR was lodged against 13 people who were leading the procession.
They appealed to SP and other high level officers to give them justice but they failed to receive any response. Finally, five people went on indefinite hunger strike on March 9th, 2010. So far three of them have been admitted to the hospital in critical condition even though no action or solution came from the administration.
People say that they have informed to Chief Minister of the state, Home Minister and Minority Affairs minister about the incident and waiting action but they are uncertain that if they would get justice.
According to the residents this was not the first incident but the offending police officer has done a series of such incidents.
Patna: With an aim to check pre-matric dropout rate in Bihar and Jharkhand, the Rahber Coaching Centre is providing free tuition to poor minority and other backward class students of Class 8-10. The centre has invited application from the eligible students to join free part-time coaching in different parts of Bihar and Jharkhand.
Rahber Coaching Centre is sponsored by Bihar Anjunm and The Aligarh Forum. It was started last year in several districts of Bihar and Jharkhand to reduce the drop-out rates among the minority communities. Overwhelmed with due success, the administration of the centre is going to start fresh batch from 3rd April in Patna, Samastipur, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Bhabua (all in Bihar), and Singhbhum (Jharkhand).
The poor students who are pursuing their education in government schools and their parents are unable to provide them with tuition due to poverty will be eligible to join the Centre wherein they will be coached after or before school times.
Last date for submission of applications is 25th March.
While talking to TwoCircles.net, Convener of Bihar Anjuman Mohammad Inam Khan said: “It is a milestone towards stopping the drop-out which is in alarming number among Muslims especially at the level of primary, middle, and higher secondary. The main reason for high dropout is poverty and lack of community support. Therefore, our team decided to try removing hurdle somehow in the way of those who are eager to avail higher education but poverty stops them in the middle path. We hire teachers for part-time service at these centres. They teach 3 hours before or after class times. Some teachers also offer their services voluntarily.”
“As Muslims are behind others in education in the light of Sachar Committee report, we are taking 85% Muslim students both boys and girls and 15% students from other backward communities at these centres” he added.
Asked about number of students who will be taken at each centre, he said: “We concentrate on quality education. So, the number of students depends on availability of good teachers. Therefore, it may be different in different places but it will be from 50 to 100 at each centre.
About future plan he said: “Currently, we are running these centres in selected areas. We are far from our vision that is to extend it to all localities dominated by the minority community in all districts of Bihar and Jharkhand.”
For further details one can call at these numbers:
Patna: A two-day international conference on ‘Crisis in the Muslim Mind and contemporary world’ began today here at A.N. Sinha Institue of Social Studies, Patna. The conference is being organized by Institute of Objective Studies (IOS), New Delhi with the association of Forum for Literacy Awareness and Muslim Education (FLAME) Patna.
L-R (second) Dr M. Manzoor Alam, H. E.Debanand Konwar (Governor of Bihar), Dr Ahmad Abdul Hai, Prof. Abdu Hameed Abu Sulayman, Dr. Mashadi
“Islam teaches peace, brotherhood, kindness and respect of the humanity. Likewise other religions also give the same teachings but today there is not only crisis in the Muslim mind but also crisis in the mind of humanity at large. People are lacking knowledge even about their own religions which leads to misunderstanding. All religions should be treated nicely and justly because it will help to grow the civilization” said governor of Bihar H.E. Debanand Konwar while delivering the inaugural speech at the conference.
He appreciated the organizers for selecting the timely subject for the conference. “This is the important topic over which Muslim intellectuals, analysts and scholars should discuss because Muslims have given a lot to the world in every field who can forgets Umar Khayyam-the mathematician, philosopher, scientist and artist at the same time. But why Muslims are behind today it should be found out.”
In his welcome speech, Dr. Ahmad Abdul Hai, president of FLAME, said: “It is one step toward thousands miles journey to work for humanity. Islam is peace and blessing for humanity and the future of humanity lies in Islam. So, there is a need to stand up with the teachings of Islam and to call all to come for understanding the Islam.”
Chief Guest of the occasion Prof. Abdul Hameed Abu Sulayman, former rector, International Islamic University, Malaysia, spoke in length on the reason of crisis in the mind of Muslim with the references from the Quran, Hadith and history.
“Quran is guide for the humanity in all spheres of the life till the existence of the world but we have to find out that guidance. When we look at the period of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and his Caliphates especially the first two, we find that they were applying Islamic teachings in all their activities directly. But with the passage of time, people became lazy and left to think deeply over the Islamic principles to apply them in their lives. Thus they drew distance from Islam practically” he said.
“Four Imams used their minds to find out the solutions from the main sources of knowledge-Quran and Hadiths-confronting the people of that time. In fact many of their (Ijtehad) researches are applicable even today. Today we also need to go back to the Qur’an to find out the solution for our masaiel because philosophy for international peace is Islam
The conference was started with singing the national anthem followed by recitation of the Glorious Quran. The program was attended by intellectuals, scholars, educationists from across the city and outside of it.
In his presidential speech Dr. Manzoor Alam, chairman, IOS, highlighted the theme and objective of the conference.
“I do not feel any hesitation to say that there are crisis of thoughts among Muslims which came from the lack of knowledge. The conference has objective to create awareness among Muslims to deepen their knowledge” he said.
“You are the torch-bearer for the humanity and you can not do that unless you are knowledgable. You have sources of knowledge in the form of Quran and Sunnah you have to refer to them. If you are not just with yourselves then how you will be just with humanity at large” he urged.
Many intellectuals and educationists presented their papers on the theme of the conference including Prof. Z. M. Khan, secretary general, IOS, on “Dimensions of crisis in Muslim mind in contemporary world,” Prof. M.T. Khan on “Cognitive approach to the understanding of crisis in Muslim mind” and Prof. Syed Jalaluddin on “What confronts Islam and Muslims in India?.”
Patna: After much hue and cry, at last Rajya Sabha has passed the Women's Reservation Bill, one of the most controversial bill, on 9th March 2010. Though its advocates named it a historical step towards women empowerment and necessary for active political participation of women but its opponent termed it as biggest blunder in democratic India and an attempt to deprive Minority and backward classes people.
TwoCircles.net talked to some Muslims in Patna to know their views about the Women's Reservation Bill (WRB). Overall Muslims of Patna appreciate the bill but demand quota for Muslims and other backward women to make sure they are adequately represented.
Mrs Insha, a social activist, while reacting on the topic said: “Woman reservation will benefit only those women who are already in politics or female relatives of politicians or aristocrats who have strong access to political parties.”
“This is nothing but Congress attempt to get political benefit because there is no need of reservations for women. There are many women in India who are working for the society without being in politics and they think that politics is not the only way to work for the development of the country. But I am not against taking part in politics. Of course, women should enter the politics,” she added.
Reyaz Azim Abadi, convener of the Bihar unit of Social Democratic Party of India, said that this bill in present form will cause the further discrimination to the backward classes especially Muslim women.
“With the passage of this bill 55%-22% for SCs &STs and 33% for women- seats will be reserved in Parliament and Assemblies and Muslims who are already under-representation can get their shares only within 45% because Muslims women will be sidelined by political mafias who control almost all major parties. When Muslim men are not given due share then how do I believe that Muslim women will be given their shares?” he asked.
“The real reason behind reduction of Muslim figure in Parliament and assemblies is that according to plan many Muslim dominated constituencies were remapped and reserved for SCs and STs which divested Muslims. After Women's Reservation Bill may be rest of the Muslim dominated constituencies will be reserved for women who obviously will not be from Muslim or backward communities. This bill will harm Muslims more than others. Therefore, the bill will be appreciated in case quota for Muslims and backward class women will be assured” he explained.
“Women's Reservation Bill is a part of conspiracy to push Muslims towards under-representation and backwardness which is designed by BJP and RSS and acted upon by Congress party because elitist groups will capture the reserved seats and Muslim women will be neglected as it has been happening with Muslims men. Thus representation of Muslims which is already inadequate will further reduce in Parliament and Assemblies” said Abu Qaiser, President of Muslim United Front.
“Actually it is an attempt to wash off the issue of Muslim reservation. Congress has been referring to legal complication in implementation of Ranganath Mishra Commission but it has passed the Women's Reservation Bill with full enthusiasm. Why Congress did not act in the same manner for Muslim reservation while all the parties except BJP and Shiv Sena are in the favor of it?” he asked.
He termed Congress more dangerous than BJP which has been following anti-Muslim agendas in independent India. “Muslim organizations and leaders should raise the united voice against it and come out on road because this is the right time to press and gherao the government for Muslim reservation. If we miss this chance then we will never get it” he continued.
Maulana Anisur Rahman Qasmi, Secratry of Imarat Sharia, said if the bill is really meant to empower the women then it needs some mandatory correction then only it will serve the real purpose.
“Firstly, when some seats are reserved in male quota of Parliament and assemblies for backward class then in women quota also some seats should be reserved for backward class women. Secondly, Muslims have been identified most backward as a community so Muslim women should be given due share in women reservation. Otherwise it will benefit only 15% people who have been controlling the country and 85% will remain deprived as they are,” said Maulana Anisur Rahman Qasmi who is also Bihar Haj Committee Chairman.
“We welcome the bill wholeheartedly if it has quota for women from Muslims and other backward classes otherwise we throw it in dustbin because it is useless in present form. Actually, when Indian legislative houses reserved 22% seats for SCs and STs, the upper class people could not digest it and they planned to reserve 33% seats for themselves in the guise of women empowerment. Therefore, we oppose it and demand amendment in the bill for reserving seats for marginalized women” opined Hassan Ahmad Qadri, General Secretary of Bihar Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind.
While Rehan Ghani, Managing editor of Urdu daily Pindar, has exclusive view on the issue and termed both favor and opposition of the bill as political gimmick.
“WRB will not help common women to get empowerment. Yes, it will strengthen nepotism and dynasty and thus by the virtue of the bill top politicians will get much strengthen as their wives, daughters and other female family members will also come in the political circle” he said.
“Those who favor the bill and those who are opposing it are not sincere. They all are fighting for their political gains. In the favor of the bill it is said that it will increase the number of women in the legislative houses but question is that whether only increase of number will solve the problem of women or will it empower them. I think not, because men are more capable to raise the voice for women rights than women. Today women who are holding top posts in the politics did not get that with the help of reservation but because of their capacity and determination. So, firstly we need to work for women empowerment, their social justice and education at grass root then we should talk about women reservation so that women from all classes can get their share. Otherwise it will not bring any change for common and downtrodden women.”
He further said: “If government or political parties are really serious for women upliftment then there should be provision that top brass politicians or ministers’ families should not be given tickets to give chances to the common women” he added.
“I strongly support the bill because it will help the society and country. Women have been playing key role in the building of families and countries throughout the history. We can not have a successful and pleasant family without help of women then how a society or country without their contribution? So, the bill will help women to come forward to offer their efforts for the country. I am not in the favor of quota within quota for Muslim or backward class women. There should be equality for all. Yes, political parties should give tickets to all sections of women” said Sultan Ahmad, working president of Citizen Welfare Association.
A housewife Zeba Naqvi summed it up the best. She said, “I do not think that Women's Reservation Bill is in the favor of common women because respectable women feel bad to enter the politics. It is because in India politics is considered dishonorable thing. So, the bill absolutely will benefit those who are already in politics or their relatives are there. There is need to purify the political environment, so that most women can take interest in the politics and there is no need for reservation for women. But if it is given then there should be quota for Muslims and backward women. If not then it is equivalent to opening backdoor for politicians’ families.”
By Manzar Bilal and Mudassir Rizwan, TwoCircles.net,
Patna: With enthusiasm and determination Muslim women in Patna today demanded their exclusive shares in Women's Reservation Bill. A number of Muslim women from across the city, mostly burqa wearing, sat on dharna under the banner of Bihar Muslim Khawateen Morcha at Kargil Chowk protesting against the bill in its present form and demanding quota for Muslim and backward women.
In fact, Kargil Chowk is one of the places in the city where agitation is part of daily routine but today’s was especial one as burqa clad Muslim women who are believed to be engaged only with house works were seen full of excitement who came out of their houses and announced that they are ready to fight for their rights on their owns.
They blamed Congress to have secret understanding with BJP to work on anti-Muslim agenda. They demanded the government to reconsider the decision about the bill otherwise they would agitate before state Assembly and Parliament.
“Muslim women have been neglected in the country. Since independence only 16 Muslim women were able to enter the Parliament. Currently, out of 59 women MPs there are only two Muslim women. This disappointing result is because of discrimination has been done with Muslim women. Therefore we demand fair share in the Women's Reservation Bill to make sure our due representation” said Shahzadi Perveen of Digha, who was leading the dharna.
“We are ready to adopt the formula “do or die” for our rights. We salute those who are raising voices for our rights in Parliament and will do jail bharo tahreek if our demand is not fulfilled” she added.
In her welcome speech Ms. Mumtaz Jahan, a ward counciller, said: “Gandhi ji has launched agitation against injustice of British government in Champaran district of Bihar which brought freedom to us now an agitation against dictatorship of elite people has started in the same state which will reach all over the country and finally we will defeat the oppressive forces.”
Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Nazneen Parveen from Phulwari Shareef said: “We are not given our rights being at homes so we came out on the road and we will continue fighting until we are given 10% exclusive quota within 33%. Government should not consider us weak we are daughters of Razia Sultana, Noor Mahal and Chand Bibi Begum and have capacity to fight for justice and cane bring down the government. So, our demand should not be overlooked anymore.”
While Ms. Roohi Parveen said that government should give chances to Muslim women to show their abilities: “We have always been pushed behind. Otherwise, we are not less than others in abilities and capacities. We demand quota in Women's Reservation Bill so that we can take part in the building of society and country.”
“We have been deprived of our rights but now we are not ready to see our new generation dwindling for their rights in their lives. We reject the Women's Reservation Bill in its present form because it will snatch our representation in legislative houses. We will gharao Parliament and will also go to Supreme Court” declared Naghma Khatoo, a ward member.
Besides, many of them also spoke on the occasion. When TwoCircles.net talked to some of them at sideline of the program they all repeated their demand that they want 10% reservation within 33% and for that they are ready to go any extant and to pay any price but they no longer ready to be ignored.
The dharna went at its prime stage when RJD chief Mr. Lalu Prasad along with his wife Mrs. Rabri Devi,ex-Bihar CM and leader of opposition in Bihar Assembly,reached there for few minutes. He was welcomed by program organizers and thanked for his efforts in Parliament for Muslim women.
Mr. Lalu Prasad repeated his stand of quota within quota for marginalized class women and said that he is ready to be thrown out of Parliament but will never ever favor the bill in its present form.
He appreciated the Muslim women present there: “Muslim women from Bihar have led over others to stage such massive dharna for their rights now we will raise the issue in the Parliament in more organize way. For that you have to continue your work at outside the Parliament”
The dharna was also joined by many other RJD leaders including Shakeel Ahmad Khan, spokesperson of RJD, Ghulam Ghose, leader of opposition in Bihar legislative Council, Nihaluddin, RJD MLA, Ram Chander, RJD MLA. They encouraged Muslims women to march ahead for their rights.
Patna: Just two days after LJP held a massive Muslims Rally at Gandhi Maidan in Patna, now it was the turn of Bihar ruling party JD(U) to woo Muslims by holding Aqalliati Falahi Bedari Conference (Minority Welfare Awareness Conference) at Gandhi Maidan in Jahanabad on 6th March. Addressing the conference Chief Minister Mr. Nitish Kumar said working for Muslims is his government’s duty, not appeasement.
It was for the first time during 4.5-year regime of NDA alliance when state Minority Commission held such program. So, many can term it as preparation for forthcoming assembly election in the state.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Mr. Nitish Kumar said: “Article 341 should be amended and 1950 presidential order should be removed because it deprives backward and Dalit Muslims from many facilities that are their due rights and also it is on the basis of religion. I have raised this matter in the parliament when I was its member.”
“To give especial attention toward education of Muslims is essential for development of them. Therefore, we have started many schemes to bring Muslims children specially girls to schools which indeed bore fruits. Our government is keen to uplift Muslims and other marginalized people and it is our duty not appeasement” he added.
He counted his works by his government and urged people to give another chance to complete left works.
The conference began with the recitation of the Glorious Qura’n and was presided over by Naushad Ahmad, Chairman of Bihar Minority Commission, and attended by a large number of people.
In his speech, Maulana Anisur Rahman Qasmi, Secretary, Imarat Shariah and Chairman, Bihar Haj Committee, said: “A lot of things are yet to be done for Muslim community because almost 60% Muslims are still living below poverty line which is a matter of concern. The whole country is like a family, so, both states and centre governments must behave equally with all citizens irrespective of their religions and castes.”
He also appealed to Muslims to be united for their rights and to take benefits from schemes run by government for their welfare.
Addressing the gathering Maulana Shamim Munemi,Sajjada Nashin Khanqah Munemia, urged Muslims to stand up for their rights.
“You are lagging behind others in all fields of life so you have to come up to get your rights. Then only you can get facilities like other downtrodden communities” he said.
Why Muslims became backward gradually is a matter to be seriously thought about, he said.
“Gandhi ji came up to uplift the Hareejan (Lower class people) now we have to see who will come to uplift Muslims? Why such a situation is created in the country that pushes a community behind and then we need special efforts for them” he asked.
He appealed to Chief Minister Mr. Nitish Kumar to go ahead with justice to all “then you will get Muslim support because Muslims want to go with reality and not only promises.”
Others who addressed the conference include Shah Saifuddin Firdisi of Khanqah Firdisia, Bihar Sharif, Maulana Syed Mohammad Sanaullah, secretary of Idara Shariah, Maulana Shakeel Ahmad Qasmi, Shahzad Anwar, Secretary of Bihar Urdu Academy, Abdul Qayyum, Secretary of Anjuman Traqqi Urdu, Bihar.
Patna: Muslim votes have been crucial in the formation of governments in Bihar. Therefore, almost all leading parties in the state have been fighting to win their vote. The state is going to vote later this year for assembly, so, once again this battle has geared up with Lok Janshakti Party holding a massive ‘Muslim Rally’ at historic Gandhi Maidan in Patna today.
“Muslims have key for formation of next government in Bihar. They have to decide whom they want to hand over the key for governance. I am sure Rashtriya Janata Dal- Lok Janshakti Party alliance will form the next government in the state if Muslims vote for it unitedly” said LJP chief Ram Vilas Paswan while addressing the rally.
Thousands of Muslims from different parts of the state and all top leaders of the party including 12 MLAs and 3 MLCs attended the rally which filled the western part of the Gandhi Maidan. It was the first of its kind rally for LJP in the capital city of the state wherein such huge Muslim gathering was seen on its call. For that, convener of the rally and vice president of LJP Mr. Ahmad Ashfaq Kareem was lauded by the party chief.
“There are two ways to fight for one’s right in the country; to raise voice in the Parliament or Assemblies, and to come out on the road. Muslims need to use both the ways to get justice” he urged adding “You have to make efforts for your right because no one is going to take your matter if you are not active for that.”
He said that it is a fact that Muslims have fought for the freedom of the country and contributed in the building of the nation like other communities but they are branded as foreigners by communalists.
“Those who are naming Muslims as sons of Babur are either unaware of the history or violating the history because Muslims had been ruling India for much earlier. It is true that in the beginning some Muslims came to India from outside who lived here and died here but most of the Muslims were those original residents of India especially lower class people who embraced Islam because of its teaching of equality for all. Thus the number of Muslims grew faster here” he explained.
“When Babri Masjid was demolished we asked why it happened, RSS and BJP leaders replied, because it was built by Babur who was foreigner. We said then demolish Lal Qila (Red Fort) and Taj Mahal because that were built by sons of Babur, bring down Parliament and Rashtrapati Bhawan because they were built by British government who was outsider and anti-nation” he told.
He also criticized central government for ban on SIMI. “SIMI is banned without sufficient evidence, then why RSS, Bajrang Dal and Shiv Sena are not put in the same dock despite of the fact that they are spreading violence and hate all time” he asked.
Mr. Ahmad Ashfaq Kareem
Speaking on the occasion Mr. Ahmad Ashfaq Kareem, LJP national vice president, said: “The implementation of Ranganath Mishra Commission report is necessary to bring Muslims on development line. Therefore, we demand central government to take accurate step in this regard without ifs and buts because Muslims have stood up and they no longer will be cheated.”
If LJP-RJD alliance comes to power in Bihar, we will give 10% reservation to Muslims without any condition” he added.
Mr. Ahmad Ashfaq Kareem and Ram Vilas Paswan
He blamed state government for not implementing properly schemes started for welfare of Muslims especially PM’s 15 points Program which worsened the condition of Muslims.
Addressing the rally Mr. Shoaib Iqbal, LJP MLA from Delhi, said: “History has been witnessing that Muslims have been oppressed badly and after they were killed, their properties looted and destroyed, commissions have been set up but when commissions submitted their reports there was no action against guilty. Liberhan Commission report is an example for that.”
He also said that Muslims have given example of real secularism by accepting Hindus as their leaders because their intentions were to build a strong and secular country, yet they have been suspected for all wrong incidents.
“LJP was the first party to put the implementation of Mishra Commission report in its manifesto for 2009 LS election which was followed by almost 22 parties. But unfortunately Congress was not among them” recalled Abdul Khaliq, LJP national general secretary.
“What is the problem with central government when all secular parties are agreed upon for implementation of the Mishra report” he asked
LJP senior leader Salahuddin Khan said that the development of the country depends on communal harmony and unity. Country will never progress till each one raise voice for others’ right. This was the secret behind winning freedom struggle.
Though program was named as Muslim Rally but most of the leaders skipped community issue and they spent their times in praising the Party chief or counting the works done by the party for Muslims. Only few of them spoke for some time on the Muslim issue. Thus the rally lost its name ‘Muslim Rally’ and became LJP Rally.
Others who addressed the daylong rally include Dr. Izhar Ahmad, LJP MLA, Israeel Rayen, LJP MLC, Afzal Abbas, national president of LJP Minority Cell, Ram Chander Paswan, former MP and president of Dalit Sena, Mr. Sabir Ali, Rajya Sabha MP, Dr. Shahnawaz Kaifi, state president of LJP Minority Cell.
This is the month of Rabiul Awwal in which universal Prophet of Allah Mohammad (SAW) was born. When this month comes Muslims celebrate it in different ways. But is this enough to express one’s love to anyone to hold some programs in his memory? Not at all. The real way to remember and offer tribute to Prophet Mohammad (SAW) is to follow his teachings and spread them in the world.
TwoCircles.net talked to some Muslims in Patna & Delhi. Most of them strongly criticized the way of celebration of Prophet’s birthday that is prevailing in the country and emphasized on practicing his teachings instead. While some of them reasoned for this celebration. But when we ask them to recite any Hadith of Prophet, though they expressed the meaning of the Hadith but many of them were unable to do that with Arabic text.
Interviews By Mumtaz Alam Falahi, Manzar Bilal, and Mudassir Rizwan.
Mohammad Iftekhar Ahsan Mallick (26), former B.Sc. (Bio-tech) student
By Mahtab Alam, TwoCircles.net,
Late night on March 7, 2005, Mohammad Iftekhar Ahsan Mallick, a B.Sc. (Bio-tech) II year student at Dehradun’s Dolphin Institute of Biomedical & Natural Sciences was preparing for his final examinations at his friend’s place. But he had to face ‘greater’ exam that was to last for five years.
Around midnight, some unidentified people with guns forced their way into his friend’s house and took him away, without informing who they were and what they wanted? At first instance, Iftekhar thought that it is kidnapping but later he was told that his kidnappers were actually Delhi Police’s Special Cell who were taking him to Delhi for ‘questioning’ regarding his ‘role’ in a terror plan. He was severely tortured during the police custody and made to sign ‘confessional’ statements.
Torture is still etched in his mind and he rather not talks about it. Iftekhar pleaded his innocence but was made to suffer. He also appealed for speedy trial but even then it took five long years.
Iftekhar was jailed on the charges of being a Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist plotting to carry out a suicide attack on the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun. The Special Cell claimed to have recovered a diary containing ‘inflammatory’ passages from the Quran, which talks about taking revenge of 2002 Gujarat carnage and a pass to an IMA parade. Police also claimed, Iftekhar had been in touch with the Pakistani terrorist Shams, who motivated him to attend Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) meetings in his native town and his name was referred as “Shahid” in Shams’ diary and that the Lashkar had sponsored his education. But Delhi Court refused to believe prosecution stories and Iftekhar was ordered to be released.
After almost five years of imprisonment, on January 8, 2010 Additional Sessions Judge Dharmesh Sharma ordered his release.
“January 2010, not only proved a real New Year for me but brought a new life in real sense for me”, Iftikhar told TwoCircles.net.
Now, he is all set to start his studies once again and will be soon enrolling himself in Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) in Bihar. “The entire period is full of nightmarish experiences but I want to begin a new life, a respectful life”, he asserts. But he doesn’t want to move out of Bihar as his family is afraid. Iftekhar, who was always hopeful about his acquittal confessed, “no matter how much I try to forget all this, how can I forget those golden years”. He asks painfully “Who will return those five years and how?”
Talking to TwoCircles.net he said there seems to be some planning to malign Muslims and therefore youths are falsely accused of terrorism charges and are made to rot in jail for years. But he has not completely lost faith in the system and suggests Muslims and secular Indians to come forward to make a platform that can fight for justice by preventing abuse of innocent Muslims.
Kolkata: In respect to the sentiment of Rizwanur Rehman’s family and the community at large, Bollywood star and owner of Kolkata Knight Rider, Shah Rukh Khan has called off business deal with the famous company Lux Cozi maker of innerwear. Lux Cozi is owned by Ashok Todi who is accused in the infamous Rizwanur Rehman murder case.
Rizwanur Rahman, a computer graphics designer, married to Priyanka Todi, the daughter of Ashok Todi, with their choice but it was not digested by family of Priyanka Todi. They used all the sources to break the marriage but they failed and almost one year after his marriage Rizwanur Rahman was found dead by a railway track in Kolkata in Sep 2007 under mysterious circumstances. Todi family is accused in the case.
Recently, Kolkata Knight Rider made deal with Lux Cozy for IPL-3 which is going to start next month. According to deal there would be advertisement for Lux Cozy inside and around the stadium for home matches as well as Lux branding on the players’ trousers and other advertising.
However, as this deal came to light Muslim groups and civil societies in Kolkata protested against it. They wrote to Shah Rukh Khan urging him to cancel the deal with the man accused of killing an innocent otherwise they would launch statewide agitation. Rizwanur’s mother also requested SRK to break up the deal with the company owned by a family responsible for her son’s death.
Feeling the sensitivity of the issue, SRK decided to call off the deal. Gameplan director of Kolkata Knight Rider Mr. Jeet Banerjee gave this information in a press conference yesterday.
Now Lux Cozi would not be able to advertise their products during the IPL matches of KKR. Play boards that were already put across the city would be taken off as soon as possible.
Patna: “Haj aspirants for 2010 should start preparation for the trip. As international passport is mandatory now, they should get it as early as they can. Bihar has failed to fully utilize its allotted quota, that is a matter of concern while aspirants from other states cross the limit of quotas” said Mr. Qwais Ahmad, Chief Executive Officer of Central Haj Committee. He was addressing media persons yesterday at Bihar Haj House in Patna.
Bihar Haj Committee has 10.6 thousand quota for Haj aspirants but it has never sent so many Hajis despite the fact that Muslims constitute almost 13.72 million in the state that is highest after UP and West Bengal. In 2009 Haj trip, state Haj Committee received only 6 thousand applications and at last as usual the rest of the seats were given to aspirants from other states.
The obvious reason for low number of Hajis from Bihar is economic backwardness. But lack of interest towards this noble journey is also a big reason as many Muslims who can afford do not seem enthusiastic for it. It is also a fact that a number of Bihari Muslims adopt to take flight from metro cities which reduce the number of Hajis from Bihar list.
Mr. Owais Ahmad, who himself hails from Darbhanga district of Bihar, further said: “There is a need to work for increasing the number of Hajis from the state and Imams of mosques, Ulama and community leaders can play a vital role in this regard."
He urged them to start movement for that at state level and motivate eligible Muslims to perform the Haj, one of the five pillars of Islam.
About the opening of registration for 2010 Haj trip, he said it will be decided at the meeting of Central Haj Committee expected to be held next month.
In first week of February I was in Kolkata to attend the 3-day vehicle rally jointly organized by West Bengal unit of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind (JUH) and Public Democratic Conference of India (PDCI) to campaign for reservation for Muslims. This rally was backed by several social, religious and political parties.
First day in Kolkata, one of the busiest cities in India, we saw a little number of people showing interest towards attending the rally. I think the main reason behind it was like other big city of the country Muslims of this city are also divided into various groups and one does not care of other’s call seriously though it is in the favor of whole community. But, yes, this unique kind of campaign succeeded to draw the attention of people to at least think about the issue. In many places people not only Muslims but also non-Muslims appreciated Maulana Siddiqullah Chaudhry who was leading the rally.
When this rally reached to villages of 24 Paragana, Bashir Hat, Howrah and Hoogly, it was welcomed by people in large numbers who were eagerly waiting for the rally at different places. This showed the root strength of JUH in rural areas of West Bengal.
Indeed Maulana Siddiqullah Chaudhry, General Secretary of the state JUH, spent energy and time to strengthen the JUH in West Bengal. Therefore, Bengali Muslims have lot of respects for him. JUH has a long history in West Bengal, it is here that former JUH president and freedom fighter Maulana Hussain Ahmad Madani imparted religious education and worked for Muslims for years from the platform of JUH during freedom struggle.
Though three Muslim organizations-JUH, All India Milli Council and Mojaddidia Foundation- have organized their conferences separately in Kolkata to raise voice for Muslim reservation in last week of January, but it was JUH which succeeded in bringing a sea of people to the state capital which gave a big jolt to the state government. Almost all leading Urdu, English and Bengali newspapers and news channels gave full coverage of the JUH program.
For Maulana Siddiqullah gathering lakhs of people or getting media attention is not the goal. He got into the task of mobilizing people through out the state by launching a state wide contact rally. He believes mass mobilization is the democratic way to get one's demand fulfilled in a secular country. This movement gave state government sleepless nights and the state government hurriedly announced to give 10% reservation to Muslims in employment, a major victory for the Maulana and Muslims of West Bengal.
It was not the first time when Maulana Chaudhry emerged first to make government accountable before the community but he has done this at different time including standing up against state government for snatching the land of poor people in Nandigram. He held nearly 100 big and small programs and united many social and religious groups as well as political parties for the issue which forced the government to withdraw its decision.
A simple Muslim cleric with extraordinary enthusiasm, Maulana Siddiqullah Chaudhry is a well-known name in West Bengal among Muslims as well as in political circles of the state.
Besides being head of the JUH he is president of Rabita Madaris-e-Islamia Arabia of West Bengal which supervises 750 Madarsas of the state and holds state level exam every year for students of these madarsas. He is also associated with many religious and social organizations which puts him in a favorable position among both common Muslims as well as Ulema.
Like other JUH leaders he was also a Congressman but he learned from long years of experience of working for the society that to have own political platform is essential to solve community problems. To take part actively in politics he with the help of some other people Muslims and non-Muslims formed a political party People Democratic Conference of India (PDCI).
In fact he is a pious and sincere man who wants to uplift the downtrodden people and to fight against discrimination again the Muslims and other downtrodden communities. Because of his services he is considered respectful leader by Muslims of the state. Though he has been able to gather large crowd to Kolkata but somehow he is not able to translate this street cash to political capital.
Maulana Siddiqullah Chaudhry
Though Maulana Siddiqullah Chaudhry believes that community problems cane be solved by collective efforts. That is why on several occasions he invited community leaders to sit together to think over community issue. But he failed to unite the community leaders to a potent political force. His dream to get political empowerment has seen some success in panchayat elections but nothing beyond that.
TwoCircles.net talked to some Muslim leaders to know their opinions about Maulana Siddiqullah Chaudhry, though some criticized him but most of them appreciated his efforts and wished to see him as a successful leader in the future.
Advocate Abdur Rab Bin Ismail, president of Indian National League, West Bengal, was critical to Maulana Siddiqullah Chaudhry saying that all his activities are just to establish himself politically in the state.
“No political party has harmed Indian Muslim as much as Congress, Chaudhry was Congressman but did not leave the party or raised the voice against the atrocities of the party,” he said, adding “Yes, at the time when Priya Ranjan Dasmunshi became the president of West Bengal Congress Party, Chaudhry was expected to be given the post of general secretary but it did not happen which made him quit the party.”
“All what he is doing are not for the Muslim Ummah on the contrary these are political gimmick and he is trying to make his political career” he charged.
“Being head of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind he has good name among the community. He is making efforts for the cause of community. On reservation issue he has brought many leaders from different groups on one platform which, no doubt, left a good impact” told Rahmat Ali, Amir of West Bengal unit of Jamat Islami Hind.
“In politics he is yet to gain strength. So far, his party does not have much of hold. But if he contests election as allies to any existing political front he may get some seats. Otherwise it will be difficult,” he added.
“It is true that one can not justify the book just seeing the cover. So, what he is doing in the state is appreciable and in the favor of community but whether it is for political gain or just for the service of the community I can not decide, Allah knows best” said Shamim Ahmad, a social activist.
“Though he does not have much effect among Urdu speaking Muslims but he is a grand man among Bengali Muslims who are 96% of total Muslims of the state. So, he may come out with good result in next assembly election,” Ahmad offered.
Working the streets
While giving his remark on Siddiqullah Chaudhry, Mr. Zaidul Haq, editor Aponzone, a Bengali weekly, said that undoubtedly he has a clean image among the people. He also said that as JUH leader he has more fans but not because he is PDCI chief. Therefore, many of his fans are still supporting CPIM or Congress instead of supporting PDCI.
“On reservation issue he raised voice effectively and when state government announced 10% reservation for OBC Muslims he welcomed that saying something is better that nothing but at the same time he demanded government to extend it to all Muslims. But unfortunately he was misquoted by some local newspapers that he is fully in agreement with government proposed reservation,” he said.
Acknowledging the role that Chaudhry played on Nandigram issue, Haq said, “Indeed he was the hero of Nandigram movement. He alone made government sleepless. At that time when I visited Nandigram people of the area including non-Muslims were giving credit to Maulana Chaudhry for successful movement. But at last moment Mamata Banerjee joined the issue and by the virtue of political manipulation she put Chaudhry aside.”
“In last LS election his party was about to win 2-3 seats but due to some mistakes its votes got split. They also failed to choose appropriate candidates that fit for the constituencies and also it was blunder to contest under the banner of AIUDF flag because it divided PDCI workers and supporters,” he added.
Nevertheless, he hoped that Maulana Chaudhry may emerge as crucial factor in next assembly election. “His party may get success in 8-10 seats in Assembly election because these are stronghold of PDCI and Maulana Chaudhry has an edge in that” he expressed.
India has a long tradition of religious leaders who also jumped into the political field. Maulana Abul Klam Azad, Maulana Mohammd Ali, Maulana Shaukat Ali, Maulana Hasrat Mohani and Maulana Hussain Ahmad Madani were practical Islamic scholars and simultaneously they were successful and accepted politicians. A new breed of Ulema such as Maulana Badruddin Ajmal Qasmi, Maulana Asrarul Haq Qasmi, Mufti Ismail Qasmi have actively participated in the politics and entered Parliament and Assembly. Will Maulana Siddiqullah Chaudhry be able to add his name to this esteemed list? We have to wait till next state assembly election in 2011.
Patna: Keeping his word to the Aligarh Muslim University delegation earlier this month, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar made it that his Cabinet yesterday approved the allotment of 250 acres of land for special campus of AMU in Kishanganj district. Talking to media persons state cabinet secretary Mr. Afzal Amanullah disclosed the cabinet decision.
It should be recalled here that in the first week of February a five member-delegation led by AMU Vice Chancellor P.K Abdul Azis visited Bihar to thank the chief minister for giving his nod to the allotment of 250 acres of land in Kishanganj. During the meeting the AMU V-C urged the chief minister to transfer the land in the name of AMU as soon as possible so that the work for establishment of the center could be started and it would be functional from the next academic session.
The chief minister had promised the delegation to get issue of allotment of 250 acres of land for AMU campus approved in the next Cabinet meeting. He kept his word by getting approved it in the Cabinet yesterday.
The Cabinet has also approved to grant Rs. 99.40 lakh to Bihar Urdu Academy for promotion of Urdu language and literature and Rs. 5 lakh to world famous Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library for its development.
Kolkata: It was the first and right time when Muslims of West Bengal, united and loudly, demanded for reservation to tackle their dismal condition. Three organizations -- Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind (JUH), All India Milli Council and Mojaddidia Foundation organized conferences in Dharamtalla, the heart of the Kolkata city, one after another in the last week of Jan 2010. They all demanded reservations for Muslims.
Maulana Siddiqullah Chaudhry is being welcomed by people
But Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind was the first to demand 20% reservation for West Bengal Muslims which was approved and supported by several Muslim organizations and political parties. Maulana Siddiqullah Chaudhry, general secretary of West Bengal Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind announced at the conference held on 28th Jan. to launch state-wide campaign for reservation.
Taking the first step in this regard, Maulana Siddiqullah Chaudhry led a 3-day vehicle-rally. The rally was started on 6th Feb from Zakaria Street area and after visiting famous areas of the city and holding several street programs it concluded in Belgachia area of the city.
Second day the caravan visited 24-Paragana and Basheerhart districts of the state where people were waiting eagerly for it. The third day it reached Howrah and Hoogly districts where people greeted the caravan with flowers and assured their support to the movement.
Though this rally was small in figure but impressive because it was supported by several Muslim organizations including All India Muslim Personal Law Board, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Anjuman Taraqqi Urdu as well as by many political parties like Public Democratic Conference of India, Samajwadi Party, West Bengal Muslim League, CPIM Liberation, RPI and Indian National League.
It is noteworthy here that it was Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind which first started the agitation under the leadership of Maulana Siddiqullah in Nandigram to save lands of poor people which were overtaken later by Trinamool Congress. This was the Nandigram movement which provided the new energy to dying Trinamool Congress and put Left Front on the back foot in last Lok Sabha as well as Panchayat elections.
The state is going to Assembly poll in 2011 and before it corporation elections will be held in May 2010. Therefore to avoid any situation like during Lok Sabha election, Left Front government has announced to give 10% reservation to Muslims in government job under OBC category. But it has various problems as it will be applied only in job and only for OBC Muslims which are in a little number while Muslims as a whole are backward. Moreover, to get OBC certificate has not been easy cake for Muslims.
Maulana Siddiqullah Chaudhry expressed dissatisfaction over this announcement and said that 10% will not be enough to solve the problems of the state Muslims and also the mere announcement is not enough. “If government is really serious about giving reservation to Muslims then it should put a bill in this regard in the cabinet and issue notification to the related department.”
According to Maulana Muslims in West Bengal are 2.75 crore, of them nearly 16.83 lakh are OBC which means that a little number of Muslims will be benefited by this proposed reservation. Therefore, he demanded reservation for all Muslims without any condition on the basis of their backwardness because Sachar Committee identified all Muslims as backwards.
“We want reservation for Muslims in job, education, administration and government tender” he added.
When his notice was brought to Trinamool Chief Mamta Banerji she announced that if her party comes to power, Muslims will get reservation within first three months, he said: “She is a cabinet Minister in the centre, she can put pressure on central government to implement the Mishra Commission recommendation but so far she did nothing in this regard. She is railway minister where almost 14 lakh people are employees; of them Muslims are 70 thousands while they should be 1.40 lakh. So, first of all she should give Muslims their due share in railway then we will trust on her promise.”
He expressed his determination to continue his movement until Muslims get their due rights.
“If demand will not be fulfilled we will come out on road and agitate. We will also do all Bengal Bandh for 12 hours and we will do it as we have done in the past” said Maulana Chaudhry.
However, he urged Muslim leaders from across the country to be active for the Muslims reservation in their areas and exchange their views with each others to work in organized way. He also stressed on political empowerment and said that Muslims should have strong base in political circle also.
Kolkata: Yielding to the pressure by the Muslim community in the state, the West Bengal Government today decided to reserve 10% quota for socially, educationally and economically backward Muslims under OBC category. The state cabinet took the decision today in Kolkata.
Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind had launched a state-wide campaign demanding 20% reservation for the Muslim community in the state. Muslims constitute 30% of the state population. Rather than giving reservation to entire community, the state government decided to give 10% of OBC quota. The government has already decided to include more Muslim groups in the OBC category. Muslims have only 2% share of reservation under the OBC in West Bengal while half of the Hindus, who are the 71% of the state population, are enjoying reservation as SC/ST.
Avoiding the constitutional bar which is against religion-based reservations state government had made up mind to bring as many Muslim castes in the OBC category as possible. Currently, only 12 Muslim castes are under the OBC. Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee has reportedly asked West Bengal Backward Classes Commission to identify another 28 Muslim castes to include them in OBC list. If it will be implemented nearly 10% reservation will be available for Muslims in the state.
According to Sayed Masudal Hussain, member of West Bengal Backward Classes Commission presently Muslim castes like Ansaris (weavers), Qureshis (butchers) are among the 12 Muslim castes under OBC reservation. But now castes of Muslims like Beldar (grave diggers), Abdal (sweepers), Mahaldar (fishermen), Kahar (palanquin bearers) and many others will be able to get reservation through the OBC quota. The work in this regard is going on.
Siddiqullah Chaudhary, who is on a three-day campaign in the state for Muslim reservation, has expressed his happiness at the decision. He, however, said that until the government issued notification their movement will continue. He reiterated his demand that the Muslim community should be given 20% reservation.
As soon as the news about the cabinet decision spread Chaudhary’s phone didn’t stop ringing. People and villagers were congratulating him for the success.
However, the state government decision is seen as part of vote bank politics as the Left Front government is facing fast erosion in minority vote. The move is to catch the erosion. The ruling alliance was humiliated in the Lok Sabha elections and some assembly by-polls.
Kolkata: Jamiat Ulema-I-Hind launched a mass campaign in Kolkata yesterday demanding 20% reservation for Muslims who constitute about 30% of the state population of West Bengal. A three-day street-to-street and village-to-village campaign was set off at Jamiat’s state headquarters in Zakaria Street in the state capital.
Jamiat state chief and president of People’s Democratic Conference of India Siddiqullah Chaudhary led the campaign with addressing more than a dozen programs yesterday in Kolkata. He held several corner meetings with a cavalcade of 10 vehicles carrying party workers.
In his addresses, Chaudhary demanded the state government of Left Front to take the demand of reservation seriously. He also demanded the government to make Urdu as second official language of the state. His third big demand is clearing of awkaf properties of all encroachments.
Today the Muslim reservation caravan started its journey from Dam Dam area and touched various areas in 24 Parganas district. The caravan was greeted with warm welcome by the villagers.
Justice Sachar Committee report has disclosed the worst condition of Muslims in West Bengal where Left Front has bee in power since last three decades. This eye-opening report provided reasons for Muslims who constitute 25% of the total state population to rethink about continuing their supports to the Left Front.
The cynical role of state government in gloomy incidents of Singur and Nandigram as well as Rizwanur Rahman murderer case increased the anger of Muslims towards it. Consequently, Muslims switched their political allegiance to Mamta Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress which led to Left Front’s debacle in the last General and Panchayat elections.
Now in an attempt to win back the Muslim vote bank in next assembly election expected to be held next year, the state government is planning to follow the pattern of Kerala and other southern states to include more Muslim sub-castes into the OBC category to extend the reservation benefits to more members of the community.
Considering that the recent erosion of the Left Front vote in the minority areas was the big reason for lower performance of the Front, Forward Bloc, one of the partners in Left government, was the first to initiate in this regard by writing to the Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee a few days ago to take up the matter of reservations for Muslims as early as possible to win them back. The CPI and CPM leaders have also agreed to this proposal but the lone partner within the Left Front, the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) differed on the issue.
Ironically, Muslims who are most backward community have only 2% share of reservation under the OBC folder in West Bengal while half of the Hindus, who are the 71% of the state population, are enjoying reservation as SC/ST.
However, avoiding the constitutional bar which is against religion-based reservations state government is going to bring as many Muslim castes in the OBC category as possible. Currently, only 12 Muslim castes are under the OBC but now Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee has asked West Bengal Backward Classes Commission to identify another 28 Muslim castes to include them in OBC list. If it will be implemented nearly 10% reservation will be available for Muslims in the state.
According to Sayed Masudal Hussain, member of West Bengal Backward Classes Commission presently Muslim castes like Ansaris (weavers), Qureshis (butchers) are among the 12 Muslim castes under OBC reservation. But now castes of Muslims like Beldar (grave diggers), Abdal (sweepers), Mahaldar (fishermen), Kahar (palanquin bearers) and many others will be able to get reservation through the OBC quota. The work in this regard is going on.
On the other hand the West Bengal Minorities Commission has backed the demand for reservation of Muslims and termed it necessary for bridging the widening gap between Hindus and Muslims in all spheres of the society. Chairman of the commission, S Z Adnan, said it was time for the government to take emergency measures like reservation to maintain the balance between two communities.
Meanwhile, state unit of Jamia’t Ulema-e-Hind (JUH) also raised the voice in the favor of reservations for Muslims to solve their educational and social backwardness at a conference organized in famous Dharmatala ground, Kolkata on January 29th.
Talking to TwoCircles.net, Maulana Siddiqullah Choudhury, general secretary of West Bengal JUH, said: “10% reservation will not be enough to solve the West Bengal Muslim problems. Therefore, we demand 20% reservation because currently only 2.5% Muslims are in government job while they comprise 30% of the total population of the state.”
It was the first such impressive conference on reservation issue which was attended by almost 1.5 lak people from across the state as well as outside of it. “We gave ultimatum to the government to take the decision on the matter on earliest because we can not wait any more. We have fed up of promises since last 30 years now government has to step in practically” he added.
About the next step in this connection Maulana Choudhry who is also the president of a political party namely Public Democratic Conference of India (PDCI) said: “We are going to hold a vehicle-rally from February 6th to 8th which will begin from Kolkata and will be visiting all Muslim dominated areas of the state to create awareness among the community. It will not be our last step but our efforts will continue until demands are fulfilled.”
“Almost all leading Muslim organizations and groups including Jam’at Islami Hind, Indian Muslim League, All India Milli Council and Republican Party of India are with us in this struggle” he continued.
He further said that government policies pushed the community to the appalling condition. So, it is its responsibility to restore their lives and that would be possible only by reservation.
He also criticized Congress and Trinamol Congress: “These two parties promised in the recently concluded election manifestos that they will ease the way for Muslim reservation but now they are keeping silent. They should learn from the fiasco of Left Front” he said.
Keeping an eye on Assembly elections, the Left Front besides considering the reservation for Muslims, it also ordered concerned agencies to expedite job-oriented development projects in the Muslim-dominated blocks of Murshidabad, North and South 24-Parganas, Malda, Nadia, Birbhum, Howrah, Burdwan and Kolkata to regain the confidence of the minorities.
However, it will be interesting to see that how state government will settle the matter because if it fails to take decision about reservation then it will heavily pay for it in the coming assembly elections as it already got warning bells in Lok Sabha as well as in Panchayat elections and its decision in the favor of reservation may bring dispute among allies.
Patna: It was 1917 when two top leaders of India’s freedom movement – Mahatma Gandhi and Dr Rajendra Prasad – were on a trip to Motihari, the headquarters of erstwhile Champaran district, to probe the appalling condition of labourers at indigo plantations and to hold an agitation against the British government. This was the first agitation led by Gandhiji in India.
A British manager of an indigo plantation in Motihari invited Gandhiji at a dinner and conspired to kill him through poison. According to the plan, the British manager instructed Batak Mian, his cook, to serve a glass of milk laced with poison to Gandhiji.
But Batak Mian’s patriotism did not allow him to kill Gandhiji. So, he took the glass to Gandhiji but revealed the plot to him. Dr Rajendra Prasad was a witness to it. Thus he saved the life of Gandhiji, the leader who later led the nation for freedom and known as father of the nation. But Batak Miyan had to pay heavily for his patriotism. The manager put him into jail and brutally tortured him. His house was turned into a crematorium and later he and his family were forced out of the village.
It is nothing less than a tragedy that this extraordinary Indian, without whom India’s independence might not have been possible, has completely been ignored. Isn’t it tragic that today Nathu Ram Godse, the man who killed Mahatma Gandhi (on 30 Jan. 1948) is known to all but very few know Batak Mian who saved the Mahatma’s life (in 1917).
On his visit to Motihari in 1950, Dr Rajendra Prasad, who was now first President of India, ordered that Batak Mian’s family be allotted 24 acres of land in recognition of his superb sacrifice. Six decades have passed but the presidential order is yet to be implemented.
The unsung hero Batak Mian died in 1957. Currently, his five grandsons stay with their families at Akwa Parsawni village in West Champaran district. Illiterate, they work as migrant laborers. They have been visiting the government officials in the hope of getting the land but all in vain.
Recently, when President of India Mrs. Pratibha Singh Patil came to know about the dire condition of the family of Mahatma’s saviour, she stepped in to ensure that Mian's grandchildren get the land that was gifted by India’s first President Dr Rajendra Prasad.
President Patil took action after Hindustan Times published a story titled ‘Family of Mahatma’s Saviour in Dire Straits’ on January 22, eight days before the 62nd death anniversay of Gandhiji.
President’s Officer-on-Special Duty (OSD) Archana Datta asked the district magistrates of East and West Champaran to file report on the steps the Bihar government has taken to implement the Presidential order.
According to news reports, West Champaran district magistrate Ramesh Lal has accepted that he got orders from the President’s office to verify and report in this regard.
Following the footsteps of the President of India, Bihar Chief Minister Mr. Nitish Kumar has also taken interest in the matter and directed the Divisional Commissioner, Tirhut, S M Raju to provide help to the family.
It is to be seen whether Batak Mian's grandchildren, who are living in penury, see the presidential promises turning into reality or the matter is left to cool until the next death anniversary of Gandhiji.
Patna: Along with the nation, Muslim religious organizations and educational institutes across the country also celebrated 6oth Republic Day with traditional enthusiasm. Various religious organizations and educational institutes in Patna and New Delhi hoisted Tiranga and held special programs.
The official celebration in Bihar’s capital city of Patna, with parade and spectacular displays from different departments of the state government, was held at historic Gandhi Maidan in the heart of the city, institutions, schools, colleges, universities and many other places also witnessed several interesting programs.
Muslim religious organizations, schools and educational institutions in the city were also seen in the same tone and colour to mark the special day. Besides Tiranga hoisting, the great sacrifice of the freedom fighters who laid down their lives for the sovereignty of the country was remembered on the occasion.
Maulana Anisur Rahman Qasmi, secretary of the Imarat, hoisted the national flag at headquarter of Imarat-e-Shariah in Phulwari Shareef, wherein a number of madarsas students participated.
The celebration at Millat Urdu High School in the city started with flag hoisting which followed by singing national songs ‘Jana Gana Mana’ and Sare Jahan Se Accha Hindustan Hamara.’ The students of the school also presented cultural program.
A similar program was organized at Al-Asr Public School where Muslim teenagers paid homage to the martyrs of freedom movement and delivered speeches on different topics.
In New Delhi, there was something special to see at a private Muslim school. Shaheen Kausar, principal, New Vision Public School, hoisted the Tiranga with students and lady teachers covering dupatta or in Niqab standing in respect to the National Flag and the National Anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana.’
(With inputs from Mumtaz Alam Falahi in New Delhi and Manzar Bilal in Patna)
Muslims want to see India more educated, prosperous and stronger than all other countries. For this there should be communal harmony and strong unity among communities in the entire country. This is the general feeling of Muslims in Delhi and Patna today on 60th Republic Day. TCN teams went into streets in the two capital cities and asked people: What kind of India they want to see in future, and what requires for India to become internally strong.
“We want to see a strong India. Unity, communal amity and harmony are must for it, says Azmat Ali Khan,” a driver in New Delhi. A. Danyal, principal, Millat Urdu High School in Patna echoes the driver: “The wise way to make India internally powerful is to promote communal harmony by inter-faith dialogues among the communities. As India’s is a plural society, without mutual understanding it cannot progress and get stronger.”
While many are proud of the democratic system of the country, some say we can see a delightful future if the values of democracy be given its due respect by government as well as citizens.
Delhi Muslims:
A Jamia Millia Islamia student— We want India become better than today. People should excel and be honest in their work.
Azmat Ali Khan, a driver— We want a strong India – an India where education particularly of Muslims is ensured. For India to become strong, communal unity and harmony is must.
Kausar Neyaz, a teacher— Better than today. Education is must so that poverty is eradicated and children become soldiers of the country.
Muslehuddin, a teacher— India should maintain its importance in the world. It should move on the path shown by former president APJ Abdul Kalam. Only then India can become super power. Youth of the Muslim community should be strong educationally and financially
Two madrasa students— Developed, prosperous. People should think good for each other. They should be united and love each other.
Nayyer Azam, a B.Tech student— Prosper and communally peaceful. Politicians should be honest.
A Muslim NRI— Honest, decent and truthful. We have a great nation. If leaders become honest, it will be good for India as a nation and for all communities.
A grocer— A happy, prosperous India. There should be communal unity and harmony. Azeem, a class V student— An India where roads should be clean and there is no terrorist. We ourselves should become good to make India better.
Farooq Ali, ex-Army man and security guard at Jamia Millia Islamia—Want to see India stronger than America. This can be achieved through education. Education alone can make India super power.
Tanveer Ahmad Qasmi, a cleric—Want India become leading country in the world. For this we will have to choose the path of truth and honesty. To make India great and leading, we have to free India from corruption as well. Our country is great in terms of democracy and I am proud of it.
Delhi Muslim women:
Shaheen Kausar, principal of a private Muslim school— Want to see India very beautiful and very strong. I wish it again become golden bird and stronger than all countries. For this struggle, courage and unity are required.
Sakina Anwar, a student of Jamia Millia Islamia: Very beautiful and better India. We must be united so that we could work for the betterment of the country.
Bushra, an MA student: Want to see India better, higher and more developed than others. We need confidence and unity.
Patna Muslims:
Maulana Anisur Rahman Qasmi, chairman, Bihar Haj Committee—Our country has democratic system and we believe it will see delightful future if the values of the democracy be given its due respect by government as well as all the citizens.
A Danyal, principal, Millat Urdu High School—We want to see corruption-free, educated and cultured India where all the basic facilities are available for all the citizens irrespective of religions, castes and creeds. The wise way to make India internally powerful is to promote communal harmony by inter-faith dialogues among the communities. This is because India has plural society so without mutual understanding it cannot progress and get strength.
Mufti Sohrab Nadvi, deputy secretary of Imarat-e-Shariah—It is really great to have democracy system in our country but we need to implement this system with its full demands then only every one will be able to live peacefully.
Maulana Wasi Ahmad Qasmi—We want to see India as a role model for whole world and for that, true democracy and unity is must in the country.
Haris,a young journalist—60 years ago the Indian Constitution came into force but it is a fact that we are still far from the vision of our forefathers. We need to work in all fields including education, health, and economy without any discrimination. Every Indian wants to see the country growing but this should be for all and not only for selected people. There should be strong policy to tackle the poverty.
Maulana Noor Alam Rahmani—Discrimination must be ended and equal opportunity should be provided for people of all sections, and especial attention should be given to rural areas where most of the citizens are living. Neglecting them, country will never progress.
Adil Fareedi,a Darul Graduate—Government should build relation with common people and try to understand their problems and concentrate on education. Unfortunately, government take decisions keeping in mind high profile industrialists and not a common man that is why price is growing but government did not take any appropriate step to control it. This is not the way to progress.
(With inputs from TCN teams in Delhi [Mumtaz Alam Falahi and Mahtab Alam] and in Patna [Manzar Bilal and Mudassir Rizwan])
