By Saad Bin Zia,
Deoband: In an apparent move to satisfy Praveen Togadia and Vinay Katiyar and stop them from maligning the image of the age old Islamic seminary the authorities at Darul Uloom Deoband have extended invitation to both Hindutva leaders for a visit and see for themselves the functioning of the seminary.
It should be recalled that Praveen Togadia yesterday while addressing a public meeting at Saharanpur remarked that Darul Uloom Deoband is a breeding ground for terrorists. Therefore it is absolutely essential to close them for the sake of maintaining a long lasting peace in the country. The increase in the acts of terrorism is due to these Madaris. Therefore, the authorities must come forward to not only condemn but also issue a Fatwa (Religious Decree) against terrorism, he had said.
The Deoband authorities took strong notice of this statement of Praveen Tpgadia. “By making such irresponsible statements Praveen Togadia wants to take petty political mileage. In fact Madaris are a citadel of peace that prepare responsible citizens. To thwart off such misgivings about Madaris I sincerely suggest Togadia to take admission in any madrasa or at least visit any madrasa to get himself acquainted with the ground realities”, asserted Maulana Marghoobur Rahman, Rector (Muhtamim) of Darul Uloom Deoband. “Anyone pointing fingers at Deoband is an anti-national”, emphasized Maulana Marghoobur Rahman.
Rector of Darul Uloom Deoband (Wakf) Maulana Salim Qasmi was of the view, “We should not take notice of a wicked character such as Praveen Togadia. I appeal to the Muslims not to pay any attention to people like Praveen Togadia. What I feel that by not banning Togadia the State government is ostensibly acting against the interests of Muslim Community”.