Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind

The Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind demanded a law to prevent communal violence and to provide 10% reservation for Muslims in educational institutions and government jobs. The ulema (clerics) also drew a distinction between ‘terrorism’ and ‘jihad’ saying, “Islam does not allow killing of innocent persons.’’In eight sessions spread over two days, 6,000 delegates from all over India passed 20 resolutions which were made public.Resolutions on terrorism, communal violence and reservation for Muslims gain significance in the light of the disturbed security situation in the country and with general elections round the corner.The Jamiat explained that “jihad is a constructive phenomenon and a fundamental right of human beings whereas terrorism is based on destruction. It is required to define ‘jihad’ and ‘terrorism’, which stand poles apart, in the right perspective. Terrorism is the biggest crime as per the Quran’’, the resolution said.The Jamiat said the UPA government had not fulfilled its election promise that it would pass a bill for prevention of communal riots and compensation for victims. Urging the saffron brigade to emulate the initiative of the country’s largest Islamic organisation, the Congress asked the Sangh Parivar to similarly denounce extremist elements. “Learn from them and adopt a resolution against the black sheep in your fold,’’ party spokesman Manish Tiwari said. In Hyderabad on Sunday, Rajya Sabha deputy chairman K Rehman Khan said, “Terrorism has no link with any religion. We have to put an end to it.’’ Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar too said that it was unfortunate that Muslims were being branded as terrorists. Others who spoke included Swami Agnivesh, journalist M J Akbar and AP chief minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy. The huge jamboree hosted by the Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind may well be a precursor to a political platform for Muslims ahead of the assembly polls and next year’s general elections. Although nothing concrete has emerged from the thinking in Jamiat circles over floating a new Muslim party, the issues that the JUH has identified are fairly political.The Jamiat Ulamae-Hind said the UPA government had not yet fulfiled its promised bill on communal riots. “The recent spate of communal violence in Adilabad, Bhainsa (both in AP), Burhanpur (MP), Dhule, Malegaon (both in Maharashtra), Orissa and Karnataka has further accentuated its need. The government must come out with an effective law so that the life and property of innocent citizens are protected and the victims get justice,’’ the resolution on communal violence said.It also demanded speedy implementation of the recommendations of the Sachar Committee and the Ranganath Commission to end discrimination under Article 341 of the Constitution and extend reservation to Muslims, Christians and Dalits and to ensure 10% reservation for Muslims.“It’s necessary that all such recommendations be cleared by Parliament and ensure speedy implementation,’’ the resolution read. “As per government records, Muslims constitute over 13% of India’s population, but their representation in various spheres is less than 2%. It has resulted in their extreme poverty and socio-economic and educational backwardness. Muslims and Christian Dalits should be treated on a par with other Dalits by amending Article 341 of the Constitution,’’ it said.The Jamiat commended the Andhra Pradesh government for extending reservation to Muslims. It asked other states to emulate Andhra Pradesh.It also passed a resolution on Muslim Wakf. “The Wakf Act of 1995 should be honestly and strongly implemented after making suitable amendments and the Wakf properties, which are valued in crores of rupees, should be properly managed as per the will of the dowers,’’ it said. The function of Wakf must be remodelled on the lines of Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee, it added.It also passed resolutions on the unity of Muslims, Dalits and other minorities and need for communal harmony.The session urged the UN to stop American intervention in Iraq and Afghanistan and demanded a sovereign state of Palestine. It also passed resolutions to strengthen its organisational structure and urged Muslims to set up modern educational institutions.