Coimbatore: A delegation from the Coimbatore Islamic Federation met with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister during his two-day visit to Coimbatore on November 5 and 6. The delegation raised several issues significant to the Muslim community, presenting specific requests for improvements in infrastructure, religious freedom, and political representation.
The Federation thanked the Chief Minister for his stance in support of releasing life-term prisoners without religious discrimination and opposing the Union government’s proposed amendments to the Waqf Act, which they described as anti-Islamic. They also appreciated his continued advocacy for minority rights and a secular approach to governance.
During the meeting, the delegation submitted several key demands:
- Religious Rights and Utility Support: They requested measures to remove barriers affecting the operation of Islamic places of worship and asked for electricity subsidies for mosques.
- Infrastructure Improvements in Coimbatore: Highlighting areas in need of development, they specifically mentioned Ward 87, seeking accelerated efforts to improve basic facilities.
- Education Facilities for Women: The Federation urged the establishment of educational institutions for women in the Karumbukadai and Pullukadu areas.
- Enhanced Political Representation for Muslims: With the ongoing restructuring of legislative and local body constituencies in Tamil Nadu, the Federation called for increased political representation for Muslims, proportional to their population in the state.
The Chief Minister listened to the requests and assured the Federation that these concerns would be addressed with priority.
The meeting concluded with the Federation’s expression of gratitude, stating, “Alhamdulillah, All Praise to the Almighty.”
