By Dr. Mustafa Kamal Sherwani
The investigation into the Jaipur blasts is now almost complete. The pattern of the bombings was identical with those of earlier similar occurrences, and it has further been confirmed by the statement of the so-called owner of the cycle shop from which the persons, speaking with Bengali accent, had purchased seven cycles used in the terror strike.
These evidences , when pieced together, authoritatively point towards the involvement of HUJI which has its terror network through the poor Bengladeshi migrants, whose identity is being verified, and, as a foregone conclusion, it will have some lacunae, and therefore, to keep the country safe from terrorism, they are to be ousted from at least BJP -ruled Rajasthan. The blood of innocent persons- both Hindus and Muslims – has come as a blessing in disguise for the B.J.P. to execute its anti-Muslim agenda, and through it, to strengthen the tottering foundations of ‘Hindutva’, especially when the crucial Parliamentary elections are round the corner, and it is being viewed as the greatest hypocritical party even in the eyes of its traditional hardcore cadre.
It is this wonderful blend of ludicrous and pernicious ingredients that the menace of ‘terrorism’ is being tackled in India. Whether it is a blast in mosque, graveyard, temple or market, and whether the casualties are Hindus or Muslims, the first reaction of investigative agencies and politicians point the needle towards some group, having Muslim or Islamic nomenclature, and following that clue innocent Muslims are harassed. It is further followed by the declarations of our so-called equally mischievous ‘MAULVIS’ who for their ulterior motives start organising conferences, declaring that ‘Islam is against terrorism’. It implies that these nasty ‘Maulvis’ themselves corroborate the version of anti-Islamic forces that always associate Muslims with every terrorist activity.
As I do remember in none of the terrorist explosions, except the attack on the Parliament, the police suspects and version have stood judicial scrutiny. In many a case the senders of threatening emails are found to be Hindus. It was perhaps in the wake of Bombay blasts last year, when the media made a hue and cry of some ‘LASHKAREY QAHAR’ owning responsibility through mail, but lastly, it was some Amit who had sent the message, and it was dismissed as a teenager’s prank.
If the government are sincere to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the country, the investigative agencies will have to give up their beaten track, and in order to infuse confidence amongst Muslims, it is imperative that either the investigation of all incidents of terrorism must be handed over to ‘ INTERPOL’ or half of the senior officials of the team must be drawn from the Muslim community.
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Dr.Mustafa Kamal Sherwani is the President of All India Muslim Forum