– Bazlul Basit Choudhury
Guwahati: Leading national and regional Muslim organisations jointly organised a ‘Peace and Justice Conference’ at Pragjyoti Ita Cultural Centre, Machkhuwa, Guwahati on August 22. Religious leaders of all faiths also attended the programme.
Denouncing hate speeches, religious leaders belonging to different faiths and ideologies asked the people to raise their voices against hate speeches and work for communal harmony in the country. It was emphasized that India is the largest democracy in the world, with different cultures, languages, and religions.
The people of India have been living in harmony over the years. However, some divisive forces were targeting Muslims and spreading hate. These divisive forces are weakening our country because if peace and prosperity of the country are disturbed, it will affect the business climate of our country and ultimately our economy. It was necessary to create an atmosphere of peace and restore the confidence of people.
The country is facing a dire situation today, political anarchy, communal antagonism, violence, intolerance, mutual distrust, misunderstandings, crumbling social structure, discrimination, bias, hateful and toxic atmosphere are tainting the country.
The Peace and Justice Campaign called on enlightened citizens of the country to establish peace, equality, harmony, tolerance, and fraternity. The need to be organised and active to build a peaceful, safe, prosperous, and just India was emphasized.
The community leaders raised the issue of Manipur violence, the killing of Muslims on a train by an RPF constable, the targeted eviction of Muslims in Assam, and provocative speeches by the political leadership in the state.
The conference was organised by Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, All India Milli Council, Jamiat Ahle Hadees, and Imarat-e-Shariah.
It was chaired by Maulana Syed Mahmood Asad Madani, President Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind. The welcome address was delivered by Hafiz Bashir Ahmed Qasimi, General Secretary Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, Assam Chapter.
It was attended by around 2,000 delegates. Keynote speakers were Syed Sadatullah Husaini, President Jamaat-e-Islami Hind; Maulana Mohammed Faisal Wali Rahmani, President Imarat-e-Shariah; Peer S.D. Tanweer, President, Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat; Mujtaba Farooq, National Coordinator Peace and Justice Conference and a few more dignitaries.
Other faith leaders who took part in the conference were Dr. Dayananda Pathak, Ex-Principal, Pragjyotish College, Guwahati; Mr. Adip Kumar Phukan, a senior Journalist, Author, and Social Worker; Mr. Bishnu Maharaj, Procharak Sri Choitanya Gaurio Math; Mr. Khyamananda Bhikhu, a Buddhist religious leader, Pandu; Mr. Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil, SDB, DD, Archbishop Emeritus, Guwahati; Mr. Devindar Singh Sehmi, a Sikh religious leader; Mr. Swami Ritathmananda, Ramakrishna Mission, Guwahati; Mr. Chandan Mal Jain, a Jain religious leader; Mr. Jadab Chandra Mahanta, Satradhikar of Khatara Satra; Mr. Nandalal Babaji, a Hindu Puruhit, Cremation Ground; Fr. Dr. K. Jose, SVD and Fr. Dr. Joseph Mappilaparampil, Christian religious leaders.
