By TCN News,
Mumbra (Thane): Continuing its country-wide campaign of upholding and strengthening secular aspects of the country, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), organised a gathering under the title “Deen aur Dastoor Bachav Tehrik” (Save Religion and Constitution Campaign) at Mumbra, Thane.
A public gathering was held on the evening of January 4, with a huge congregation of more than five thousand people at Mumbra railway station. This marks the beginning of AIMPLB’s activities which will be culminated with two-day event between February 24 and 25.
Mumbra is considered to have a strong Muslim presence locality in Navi Mumbai.
In August 2015, AIMPLB launched a movement with an aim to “save religion and the Indian Constitution” and is appealing to other minority communities to be part of the programme. In the backdrop of this campaign many public meetings and gatherings are being organised throughout India. Mumbra event is also a part of the same campaign.
“India is a democratic country where people of all religions are given constitutional rights to profess & practice their religion. But attempts are being made to deny minorities their constitutional rights .This will not be tolerated. The government should note that will not tolerate any interference in the Muslim Personal Law”, a press release from Board on the occasion of Mumbra event reads.
The Board says that it is a representative of concerns of all the minorities of India and is neither anti government, nor against constitution of India, as also it is not against any good work been done by government for the poor or backward or marginalised section of the society.
Speakers at the gathering asserted that the board will stress upon the government to respect the right to profess, to practice and to preach faith. Also the government has a duty to protect religious minorities and control the fanatics of Hindutva Right wing group. Vasant Kolambe (BAMCEF), Pastor Rakesh Prasad (President Christian Ekta Sangh), Maulana Ali Asgar Haideri (President All India Shia Federation), Zafar Ansari (Secretary Jamat-e- Islami Hind (JIH) Maharashtra), Mushtaak Bagdadi (President Wahedat-e-Islami Mumbra), Maulana Mufti Sahrif Ahmad Sabri (President Sunni Islahi Tehreek), Maulana Umrain (Convener of AIMPLB Maharashtra), Maulana Junaid Qasmi were the Guest of honor and Speakers of the event.
During the program BAMCEF’s Vasant Kolambe said,” Top commanders in Shivaji Maharaj’s army were Muslims but Hindutva right wing groups portray that Shivaji Maharaj was against Muslims and vice versa. Hindutva right wing groups are mere 2.5% of population of India and are killing rights of OBC, SC and Muslims. None of us are enemies of each other and we all should stand together”.
Pastor Rakesh Prasad,Christian Ekta Sangh President said, “We are being threatened by Hindutva right wing groups. They beat and burn our people; our nuns are being molested in churches and other places. Once while preaching Bible in Mumbra, few anti social elements gathered, shouting their religious slogans & forcing us to stop. All minorities should stand on one platform to fight with such people”.
Maulana Ali Asgar Haideri Sahab, President of All India Shia Federation said “We minorities want to make this country & not to break it. We gave Lal Qila as a symbol of Strength, gave Taj Mahal as a symbol of Beauty and gave Qutub minar as a symbol of ascent and Pride to this country.”
Zafar Ansari, Secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) Maharashtra said, “We need to unite all Muslims, Christian Sikh Lingayat , SC ST, OBC & Others Suppressed community of the country to fight against the Communal Fascist anti national Forces.”
“Islam teaches peace but if Muslims do not follow, they cannot survive in this world. I humbly request to all brothers & sisters of our country to study and understand Deen-e-Islam, its message of peace & justice .It provides safety to all suppressed”, he added.