By Mumtaz Alam Falahi, TwoCircles.net,
Deoband: In boldest ever move by any Muslim organization from the mainland of the country in the last 60 years, Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind today sent a clear message to the nation and the government of India that it is going to raise at massive level the atrocities against Kashmiris as the issue of Indian Muslims.
“We would like to assure the people of Kashmir that we as citizen of India share their grief and anguish and support their rightful demands and we do not consider the interests of the Kashmiri people are separate from the interests of Indian Muslims,” resolved Jamiat at its daylong conference on Kashmir held today here in Deoband at stone’s throw from Darul Uloom.
Maulana Mahmood Madani addressing the Conference
In the 11-point resolution, the largest Muslim group, considered close to Congress, demanded, in no vague term, the withdrawal of Armed forces from civilian areas and lifting of Armed Forces Special Power Act and Public Safety Act from the valley.
“The use of power to repress the anguish of citizen would not help. It will instead complicate the problem further and shall fuel separatist mindset. Peace and Justice have cause and effect relationship with each other,” the group said referring to the recent violent protests in the valley. While asking the Government to ensure prompt justice to the victims, Jamiat demanded the protesters and their leaders to realize that “democratic rights and institutions cannot be restored in disturbed environ. Peaceful environ is prerequisite for proper functioning of democratic institutions.”
View of gathering
Without elaborating, Jamiat demanded the government that the “long pending legitimate demands of Kashmiri people must be accepted within framework of the constitution of India.”
Jamiat also demanded establishment of an independent, impartial and transparent commission of enquiry into serious violations of human rights, for tracing and returning of thousands of lost and missing youths and ensure fair compensation to victims.
“Protesters and agitators nabbed without viable reason be freed forthwith. Lethal methods of crowd control must be avoided and humane and modern techniques and equipments should be adopted,” the resolution said.
Swami Agnivesh addressing the Conference
Apart from Jamiat leaders various leaders from the Muslim community were also invited to share their views on the issue of Kashmir.
In a unique move all appreciated Jamiat and termed the conference as a bold step.
Representing Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Mujtaba Farooq, political affairs secretary of Jamaat, said the government of India does not seem to have interest with Kashmiri people. This is evident in the development of the regions of Jammu and Kashmir. There is a big difference in terms of development between Jammu and Valley, he said. He termed Jamiat’s conference on Kashmir as a positive and brave step, saying Indian Constitution gives us right of expression.
Qasim Rasool Ilyas speaking on the occasion
SQR Ilyas, working committee member of All India Muslim Personal Law Board, said Jamiat’s initiative is a bold step by any Muslim organization against the atrocities against Kashmiris. He said there should be talk on Kashmir in a clear language, not in vague terms. While condemning all sorts of terrorism whether by individual or group, Ilyas said state terrorism is the worst of its kind. He further said, “We are proud of democratic India but it is ashamed in Jammu and Kashmir when children are being killed by police bullets.” He also said that Kashmir is not a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan. In fact Kashmiris are very much part of the issue, and they should be made party to the dialogue.
Qari Usman, President Jamiat Ulama Hind
Jamiat Ulama announced that it will spearhead the campaign for peace in Kashmir and will hold a massive rally on the issue in New Delhi very soon.