By Faisal Fareed, TwoCircles.net,
Lucknow: Union Law Minister Salman Khurshid has offered several sops to Muslims while addressing a public meeting in the poll-bound Uttar Pradesh on Saturday. Khurshid was speaking at the function organised to commemorate the 150th death anniversary of Allama Fazle Haq Khairabadi here in Lucknow.
Khurshid in his address announced that centre’s contribution in minority student’s scholarship will be made 100 percent. “Nearly 90 percent of the demands as recommended by Sachar Committee have been fulfilled. The development work in minority dominated areas will be doubled,” he said. Khurshid also stated that minority character of AMU and Jamia Millia Islamia will not be altered. He also assured that Islamia College in Lucknow will be upgraded. He also intimated that banks have been directed to provide loans to minorities and submit a report in this regard every month. In his address Khurshid also stated that Muslims will be soon given reservation and government is seriously considering it. He hinted that reservation will be as per their population proportion.
Union Law and Minority Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid addressing National Conference on Allama Fazle Haq Khairabadi on 15th Oct 2011 in Lucknow
Earlier, the function was also addressed by organiser Dr Hifzur Rehman who demanded that a commemorative stamp be released in honour of Allama Fazle Haque and also renaming of Andman Airport in his name. The programme was also attended by Congress leaders Pramod Tiwari and Divijay Singh, Zafaryab Jilani, Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahli, Rasheed Minai, Obaidullah Azmi and Maulana Tauqir Raza Khan of Bareilly.
Allama Fazle Haque was the first clergy to issue a fatwa for waging Jihad against British during 1857 uprising. He was imprisoned and sent to Kala Pani at Andman Nicobar Island’s Cellular Jail where he died.