Mumbai, July 18: The Federation for Maharashtra Muslims has issued a statement asserting that incidents like the Vishalgarh episode highlight the government’s failure and its communal mindset. The forum’s leaders condemned the communal activities and violence in the Vishalgarh Dargah mosque in Kolhapur, calling it dangerous for the state’s peace.
In their statement to the media, the forum expressed concern over the rising communal hatred, which has alarmed justice-loving citizens. Despite repeated warnings, the government has not taken concrete steps to prevent such incidents. It appears the government is shirking its constitutional duty to maintain law and order and protect minorities. If these are mere allegations, the government should clarify its position and explain why those spreading communal violence and hatred are given a free hand.
The forum condemned the stone-pelting at the Vishalgarh Dargah and mosque and the violence in Muslim neighborhoods, stating that such actions could deteriorate the state’s atmosphere. They appealed to Muslims to raise their voices against such incidents without being provoked, as communal and extremist elements aim to use such reactions to further their agenda.
The forum demanded that the government and administration control communal elements and ensure the safety of Muslims. They warned that the deteriorating law and order situation and violence would negatively impact the state’s development. If the government desires the state’s progress, it must focus on arresting troublemakers and restoring peace and order.
The forum also questioned why the government allows individuals to take the law into their own hands when a matter is pending in the High Court. They highlighted the rising incidents of violence in Maharashtra, which have raised questions about the police administration’s effectiveness, stressing that such conditions are detrimental to the state. Poor law and order and increasing violence would damage the state’s reputation and the government’s credibility.
The statement was signed by prominent figures including Maulana Ilyas Khan Falahi, Ameer Halqa Jamaat-e-Islami Hind; Maulana Mahmood Ahmed Daryabadi, General Secretary of Ulema Council; Abu Asim Azmi, MLA and President of Samajwadi Party Maharashtra; Maulana Hafiz Syed Athar, President of Ulama Association Mumbai; Maulana Halimullah Qasmi, General Secretary of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Maharashtra; Fareed Sheikh, President of Aman Committee Mumbai; Abdul Hafeez, a journalist from Jalna; Maulana Zaheer Abbas Rizvi, Vice President of Shia Personal Law Board; Dr. Saeed Ahmed Faizi, General Secretary of Jamiat Ahl-e-Hadith Maharashtra; Maulana Mufti Huzaifa Qasmi, Organizing Secretary of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Maharashtra; Maulana Agha Rooh Zafar, Imam of Khoja Jamaat Mumbai; Maulana Anis Ashrafi of Raza Foundation Mumbai; Maulana Nizamuddin Fakhruddin, Member of Muslim Personal Law Board Pune; Humayun Sheikh, Organizer of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Mumbai; Sheikh Abdul Mujeeb, Coordinator of Federation of Maharashtra Muslims; and Shakir Sheikh, Co-Coordinator of Federation of Maharashtra Muslims.
