TCN News
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) organized a virtual press conference with Central and state governments to discuss smooth observance of Eid al Adha, Delhi riots and state of India’s economy.
JIH Vice President Muhammad Salim Engineer informed that he has written to the Principal Secretaries of all States and Union Territories for ensuring safe observance of Eid al Adha amid the Coronavirus pandemic. Jamaat had earlier made clear that the ‘qurbani’ (animal-sacrifice) is the most important worship on this occasion and that “there can be no replacement or alternative for that.” With regards to the same, the Shariah Council of JIH has issued guidelines to the local Imams of masjids and representatives in the Muslim community. In the conference, Jamaat has also emphasized that health and hygiene norms must be followed for the sacrifice.
“All norms of social distancing must be strictly followed,” said Salim, highlighting that there would be multiple ‘jamaats’ (prayer-sessions) to reduce the size of the congregation. Additionally, children and the elderly would not be allowed to join the congregational Eid prayer while the customary intermingling and proximity for Eid greetings must be avoided, he outlined.
JIH meeting has also demanded the State and Central governments to cooperate in offering “all possible concessions to Muslims and provide security and protection against mischievous and anti-social elements.”
On behalf of JIH, Salim further denoted concerns on the report released by the Delhi Minorities Commission on Northeast Delhi riots. He expressed that the Jamaat members “are highly concerned at the shocking details provided by the report about the ‘partisanship and bias on the part of the police and government.” He raised worrying questions on the authorities stating that their role during the riots, “has led to the abject failure of duty and the law and order machinery in the capital of India.”
He stated that the violence was “organized” and had a “systematic pattern” as mentioned in the report and that JIH concurs with the findings of the report and supports its recommendations. It has also called out on civil and legal agencies to file a petition seeking constitution of a five-member independent committee to investigate the riots as well as “proper and prompt action for non-registration of FIRs in all cases where complaints were not converted into FIRs.” Salim reiterated that the statements of victims should be recorded under Section 164 of CrPC and “protection to witnesses and victims must be provided along with a review of charge sheets filed by the police.” It has sought a report on the extent of complicity or abdication of duty by the police during the violence.
“Jamaat-e-Islami is dismayed by the lacklustre response of the government to this unprecedented economic challenge,” said Salim speaking about the country’s dwindling economy amid the pandemic. He outlined that experts predict is that for the first time in recent history, “India’s GDP will actually contract, pushing millions of poor, marginalized into the lap of poverty, and will nullify the fruits of decades of economic growth.” Challenging Centre to respond more substantially on the economic crisis, JIH resonated that the “20 lakh crores Atmanirbhar package does not contain any substantial stimulus and therefore will not boost demand, which the nation desperately needs.”
It accused the BJP government of “reluctance to take up the route of direct cash transfer fearing the breach of fiscal deficit target and a negative appraisal by rating agencies.” On the ending note, Salim said that the Jamaat is hopeful that “the government will come out of its pretence of business-as-usual and launch a massive three-year plan to stimulate the economy and bring it back on track.”