New Delhi – In its monthly press conference, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) voiced strong condemnation of the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the increasing incidents of anti-Muslim mob violence in India, and the misuse of bulldozers against Muslim properties and institutions.
JIH Vice President Prof. Salim Engineer addressed the situation in Gaza, stating: “We strongly condemn the renewed Israeli offensive in Gaza ‘Operation Gideon’s Chariots’ and the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people. This brutal assault is marked by indiscriminate bombings, ground invasions, and the destruction of homes, hospitals, and schools. The conflict has so far resulted in the deaths of over 53,000 Palestinians, including nearly 18,000 innocent children. The deliberate bombing of schools and hospitals to the massacre at aid distribution points is nothing short of war crimes. Gaza’s civilian infrastructure has been systematically destroyed, aid blockaded, and hospitals targeted, leaving 2.3 million Palestinians on the brink of famine and without basic medical care. We denounce the complicity of the United States and the shameful apathy of the international community. JIH stands in unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people and calls for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, the lifting of the blockade, and the full restoration of Palestinian rights, including the right to return and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. We urge the Indian government to take a principled stand; moving beyond mere expressions of concern and to demand decisive international action against Israel’s ongoing genocide.”
Prof. Salim also drew attention to the severe impact of recent natural disasters in the Northeast of India, stating: “Jamaat-e-Islami Hind is carrying out the relief activities and demands the government to take special efforts to safeguard lives and properties of people in the region.”
Addressing rising communal violence and law enforcement abuses within India, Malik Moatasim Khan, Vice President of JIH, said: “The recent attack on four Muslim meat traders in Aligarh, who were stripped, beaten, and falsely booked under the Cow Slaughter Act, is part of a dangerous pattern of mob violence. From the killing of Abdul Rahiman in Bantwal to the lynching of Ashraf in Mangaluru, these crimes continue with impunity. Despite Supreme Court rulings, anti-lynching laws remain weakly enforced. We demand strict implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita’s provisions, including life imprisonment and the death penalty for lynching cases.”
He further highlighted the arbitrary use of bulldozers against Muslim-owned properties, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, revealing findings from a JIH delegation’s visit: “A recent fact-finding visit by a JIH delegation to districts like Bahraich and Shravasti reveals that several madrasas with valid registrations and approvals have been sealed or demolished without due process, violating the fundamental rights of Muslim citizens. This is a clear violation of constitutional norms and a grave threat to our democratic fabric. Jamaat-e-Islami Hind reiterates the Supreme Court observation that ‘properties cannot be demolished merely because they belong to a person accused of a crime.’ We urge the administration to adhere to the guidelines issued by the apex court to uphold the rule of law by preventing arbitrary demolitions.”
