Mumbai: The Federation of Maharashtra Muslims has called the Sambhal police action a deliberate attempt to instil fear among Muslims. It criticised the government’s Islamophobic actions, such as searching for temples in mosques and dargahs, warning that these could ignite civil unrest. The Federation emphasised the importance of preserving historical places of worship under the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, cautioning against using legal loopholes to spread communal discord. It demanded compensation of ₹1 crore for the families of the five young men killed in the Sambhal incident and appropriate aid for the injured.
The statement expressed concern over extremist Hindu organisations targeting mosques and dargahs, including declaring Ajmer’s Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Dargah a temple and seeking court permission for a survey. It highlighted how such actions, along with remarks from a former Chief Justice, are eroding the sanctity of the Places of Worship Act, 1991 and risking national harmony.
The Federation alleged police communal bias, citing the targeting of victims’ heads and chests in Sambhal, and videos of officers inciting violence.
The statement concluded by reminding the public of the inclusive legacy of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, revered by people of all faiths, with visitors from around the globe coming to pay their respects at his shrine. It urged the government and the Supreme Court to act decisively against those attempting to disrupt communal harmony and incite violence, while appealing for immediate steps to protect the nation’s unity and brotherhood.
The joint statement was issued by prominent figures, including Maulana Umrain Mahfooz Rahmani, Secretary of All India Muslim Personal Law Board; Mahmood Ahmed Daryabadi, General Secretary of the All India Ulama Council; Maulana Ilyas Khan Falahi, President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Maharashtra; Maulana Halimullah Qasmi, General Secretary of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, Maharashtra; and several other notable scholars and leaders from various Islamic organisations.
