By Najiya O., TwoCircles.net,
Kochi: Muslims in Kochi have a lot of expectations from the UPA Government which has come back to power in the centre. Realizing that the UPA has formed government again in the country with their support, they feel the government should do something for Muslims.
The widespread Muslim-hunt in the name of counterterrorism dominates the concern of Muslims in Kochi. They also share the common expectation that the government would implement the recommendations of the Sachar Committee.
“The government should do the necessary to heal the wounds of Muslims who were hunted as terrorists in the last term of the UPA. The Congress should alleviate the misunderstandings and misconceptions associated with Muslims in the public mind,” says Zuhra Ali, homemaker.
Though sharing the common fears, Aboobaker, who runs a small vegetable shop, is also concerned about the future of retail trade which is going into corporate hands. “The arrival of multinational companies and corporate in the retail trade sector has brought much difficulties to the small traders. The Government should do something in this matter if it cares for the common man in the country,” he said.
Reservation in educational institutions can do a great deal. But that is not enough, according to Ruby who works as a saleswoman in a small textile-cum-fancy shop. “Generally, Muslims are backward in education. If the government gives grants to poor Muslim students it will indeed be an encouragement,” she said. Ruby added that the increase in the number of SC/ST students acquiring higher education has resulted from the educational grants they get.
Luqman, engineer, wants the government to control the media by a monitoring authority. “The media cook up stories and blackmail whoever they wish. This should change,” he said. He also asks the government to conduct a probe into the allegations arisen against the intelligence and the army.
Expectations are high as the UPA came to power with the votes of minorities at large. Now what remains is to wait and see whether the hopes will bear fruit.