New Delhi: The Indian Muslims for Civil Rights (IMCR) held a special meeting with editors of Urdu newspapers at its central office in Nizamuddin West to discuss national issues, community challenges, and future strategies.
Mohammad Adeeb, former Member of Parliament and Chairman of IMCR, addressed the gathering. He said the pride of Muslims should come from active participation in shaping India’s future, not from symbolic presence at events. He argued that the main issue is not special treatment for Muslims but the political fear surrounding their influence.
Adeeb recalled that during the 2002 elections, secular parties began focusing on Hindu votes while sidelining Muslim representation. According to him, this trend peaked in the 2014 elections with Muslims almost excluded from the political process. He criticized parties for using Muslims as a political tool without giving them meaningful roles in governance.
He noted the absence of strong leadership in the community today and stressed the need to strengthen institutions like IMCR to channel leadership more effectively. Adeeb also said Muslims must acknowledge their own shortcomings. He called for unity, institutional growth, and self-reliance, stressing that dependence on political parties must end.
The meeting underlined the vital role of Urdu newspapers in voicing community concerns. IMCR members emphasized that the Urdu press, with its close ties to the people, is well placed to amplify civil rights issues and encourage constructive engagement with the national discourse.
Organizers said the session was an opportunity to exchange ideas and chart a roadmap for collaboration between civil rights advocates and Urdu media.
