By TwoCircles.net staff reporter
New Delhi: The All India Muslim Majlis-e Mushawarat (AIMMM) President, Dr Zafarul-Islam Khan, has condemned the extension of the ban on Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI). In a press statement issued today, Dr Khan termed as unfortunate the UPA government’s decision to ban SIMI for another two years. On 7th February, the central government took a decision to the effect in a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.
Expressing its deep anguish, AIMMM questioned the logic of the ban when SIMI members, including its chief at the time of the first ban in 2001, have been acquitted or released on bail due to lack of evidence.
In a clear case of discrimination and double-standard against Muslims, the government has been religiously extending the ban since 2001. The new ban has been imposed at the time when Hindutva outfits, despite their criminal and terrorist activities, remain untouched and free to inflict further physical and psychological wounds on this nation, said the statement. The communal violence in Gujarat, Orissa and now Maharashtra are clear examples of this double-standard approach, AIMMM said.
No can question that terrorism in all forms must be condemned and terrorists must be defeated. What is disturbing is the trend in media and government agencies to blame Muslims for any terrorist attack within minutes of such incidents. The anti-Muslim mindset is taking a heavy toll for Muslims. Muslim youths are harassed in many parts of the country.
AIMMM said that terrorists must be punished for their misdeeds but at the same time Muslim organisations, youths and localities should not be harassed in the name of fighting terrorism.