New Delhi: Maulana Arshad Madani, president of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement linking the rise in India’s Muslim population to illegal infiltration. Responding sharply, Madani said no Muslim from another country would want to come to India when local Muslims face discrimination and violence.
Speaking to reporters, Madani asked, “In a country where Muslims are being beaten, why would Muslims from elsewhere want to come here?” He cited instances of attacks, mosque demolitions, and bulldozer actions as examples of the difficulties Muslims face within India.
His remarks follow Amit Shah’s recent comment suggesting demographic shifts were the result of cross-border migration. Muslim organizations and opposition leaders have called such claims misleading and politically motivated, warning that they inflame communal tensions.
Madani’s statement reflects growing unease among Muslim leaders over the use of population data to fuel religious narratives. He urged political leaders to focus on employment, education, and economic development instead of spreading fear about communities.
Observers note that this exchange adds to the ongoing debate around citizenship, identity, and minority rights in India. The Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind has repeatedly emphasized constitutional equality and urged the government to act against violence targeting Muslims.
