By TCN News,
New Delhi: “Patriotism is obligation on every Indian citizen and Muslims have not been behind others as far as affection towards their country is concerned. Whenever time came, they proved their loyalty to the country. Therefore, they should not be suspected” said Oscar Fernandes, Former Union Minister and Congress general secretary while speaking at a national seminar held on ‘Importance of nationalism ‘organized by India Institute of Human Studies in New Delhi few days back.
On Sachar Committee report he said that the report has disclosed the sorry condition of Muslim Community. “There is an urgent need to implement the recommendations made by Sachar Committee to improve their educational, social and financial situation so that they could also become a part of the national mainstream” he added.
Speaking on the occasion, JD (U) MP and a dalit Muslim leader, Ali Anwer Ansari said: “It is very disturbing matter that, four years passed since Sachar Committee report was submitted but no sufficient action has been taken on the committee recommendation. Similarly, Ranganath Mishra Commission report was tabled in Parliament last year after two and half year of its submission but that too without action taken report.” he added.
Warning those who are raising slogans for making India a Hindu Rashtra, he said: “If the country turns into a Hindu Rashtra, it would meet the same fate which Pakistan did after its formation”
He expressed his anguish over Article 341, saying that “it is an instrument to promote discrimination with Muslims and prevent them from development”.
In his speech Congress senior leader Shakiluzzaman Ansari said: “The biggest proof for Indian Muslims’ patriotism is that at the time of partition they preferred to stay in India.”