Patna: The All India Urdu Journalists Forum organized today (27 March) a protest dharna at Kargil Chowk here in Bihar capital city of Patna demanding ban on the ‘controversial book’ “Adhunik Bharat Mein Samajik Parivartan (Social Change in Modern India)” in which its author J P Singh, director, Higher Education, Bihar, has allegedly described Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and Dr. Allama Iqbal as communal and separatist leaders of Muslim community.
The Protestors demanded, removal of the author of the book from his post and action against him alleging that because of ‘wrong portrayal’ of two towering Muslim personalities, he has hurt the sentiments of the community and has tried to disturb the communal harmony of the peaceful state of Bihar.
Ashraf Asthanvi showing book containing remarks against Sir Syed and Iqbal
Ashraf Asthanvi, senior Urdu journalist and president of All India Urdu Journalists Forum said:“We are here to demand immediate ban on the book and action against author because he alleged two patriotic Muslim leaders without any proof which is intolerable.”
Showing the controversial text of the book Mr. Asthanvi said: “See how a communal minded author alleged our great leaders as communal. How great Iqbal, who gave message of communal harmony by his verse “Mazhab Nahi Sikhata Apas main Ber Rakhna, (religion doesn’t advocate religious enmity)”, can be communal and how Sir Syed, who gave precious gift to India in the shape of AMU, can be separatist?” he asked.
Protest demanding ban on book containing remarks against Sir Syed and Iqbal
“We have not only raised the issue through newspapers but also wrote several letters to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar seeking ban on the book and sacking of the author but all these failed to draw CM’s attention towards such sensitive issue” he said.
The day the book got highlighted, Muslim leaders protested against the book. The issue was also raised in the “Legislative Assembly and Council by RJD leaders” demanding its ban but so far the government has largely been silent on this issue.
Later, protesters met Governor of Bihar and handed over memorandum to him seeking his intervene in the matter. They also planned to approach the Patna High Court if required.
[Photos and video shot by Mudassir Rizwan, TwoCircles.net]
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