By TCN staff reporter,
New Delhi: Demanding 10% reservation to all Muslims in India in Central Government services and educational institutions in the light of Justice Ranganath Misra Commission report thousands of Popular Front of India (PFI)’s activists marched to the parliament.
Front’s chairman E. M. Abdul Rahiman while inaugurating the Public meeting after march to parliament said, “This march to the Indian Parliament is part of a two months long nationwide campaign for Muslim Reservation by Popular Front of India”
Stating Front’s stand Rahman cleared, “We demand reservation, not because we are Muslims and it is not based on our religious faith. All Muslims all over India deserve reservation, because all the government records prove their backwardness”. He further said, “The Sachar Committee appointed by the Prime Minister proved that all Muslims, including the so called ‘Forward Muslims’ are more backward than all the Hindu OBCs. Muslim under-representation in government services and in education is much more pathetic than even that of scheduled castes. These are facts accepted by the central government. But still majority of Muslims are kept out of reservation”.
Syed Shahabuddin, Convener, National Movement for Muslim Reservation and President All India Muslim Majlis e Mushawarat said, “It is well known fact that, Muslims are lagging behind and it is no longer possible to delay the genuine demand of Muslim Reservation. Muslim reservation has today become the litmus test of secularism.
Dalit Leader Udit Raj while extending his support said, “Who can understand the situation of Muslims better than us, like Dalit Muslims are also suffering from educational and economic backwardness. It is the high time to provide Muslim reservation”.
Sultan Ahmad, Minister of States for Railways and Trinmool Congress leader said, “Our party fully support the demand made by you and assured that he will raise the issue in the parliament”. Janta Dal United National President, Sharad Yadav also assured his support on the issue.
Navaid Hamid, member National Integration Council, Govt. of India appealed the government to take urgent action on the issue. Joining him, Dr. Zafarul Islam Khan, Editor, Milli Gazzate urged, “Muslim reservation is need of the hour”.
Other important figures who addressed the meeting include, Tej Singh, President Ambedker Samaj Party, Prof. Saibaba of Delhi University, Mohd. Prof. Sulaiman, President, Indian National League, E Abubacker, President, Social Democratic Party are to name a few.