New Delhi: On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Ms. Rahmathunnisa, National Secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), expressed deep concern over the rising crimes against women in India.
Addressing the media at the JIH Monthly Press Conference at their headquarters, she cited the latest NCRB report, which records 51 cases of crimes against women per 100,000 women in 2022, with a rape reported every 16 minutes. She termed these statistics alarming and unacceptable. Highlighting the justice system’s failure, she noted that while the conviction rate for murder with rape/gang rape stands at 69.4%, it drops to 27.4% for rape cases, leading to poor deterrence. She cited recent horrific incidents, such as the rape and murder of a medical doctor in Kolkata and the rape of a woman in a bus in Pune, as stark reminders of women’s vulnerability. The harassment of Union Minister Raksha Khadse’s daughter, she pointed out, underscores that even VIPs are not safe.
Emphasizing the moral dimension of the crisis, Ms. Rahmathunnisa remarked, “Thousands of unreported cases of eve-teasing and molestation signify deep-rooted moral decay in society.” She asserted that real empowerment lies in securing women’s safety, dignity, and rightful place in society. While enforcing laws effectively is essential, she stressed the need for societal reform, urging the government, educational institutions, and civil society to instill respect for women from an early age. Quoting Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, she said, “The best among you is the one who has the best morals.” She urged all stakeholders to move beyond tokenism and work toward ensuring women are treated with the dignity they deserve.
JIH VP Prof. Salim Engineer on Waqf Amendment Bill 2024
JIH Vice President Prof. Salim Engineer expressed disappointment over the partisan role of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) in gathering feedback from stakeholders on the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024. He criticized the lack of genuine consultation, despite millions of objections from the public.
He warned that the bill introduces sweeping changes to the Waqf Act, 1995, allowing greater government interference in Waqf property management. Reiterating that Waqf properties are religious endowments, not government assets, he stated that diluting Waqf governance is unacceptable. Prof. Engineer called for the bill’s withdrawal and emphasized effective implementation of existing Waqf laws to protect Muslim heritage and institutions.
Criticizing secular parties that supported the bill in Parliament, he pledged JIH’s full support to the AIMPLB and other Muslim organizations in their constitutional, legal, and democratic resistance against the legislation. He endorsed the AIMPLB’s protest on March 13 at Jantar Mantar, urging justice-loving citizens to participate in large numbers.
Economic Inequality & Communal Hate Crimes
Speaking on economic inequality, Prof. Salim Engineer referred to the Indus Valley Annual Report 2025, which reveals that the top 10% continue to amass disproportionate wealth, while the bottom 50% struggle for survival. He noted that economic reforms have primarily benefited capitalists and the urban elite, leaving marginalized communities behind. He urged the government to prioritize poverty eradication through progressive taxation, social welfare programs, and constitutional amendments ensuring equitable resource distribution.
Addressing rising communal hate crimes, he strongly condemned state complicity in targeted violence against minorities. He cited incidents of custodial torture of two men in Madhya Pradesh, the tragic death of an infant during a police raid in Rajasthan, and the demolition of Muslim-owned shops in Maharashtra, calling them symptoms of growing communal bias.
Denouncing the vilification of Muslims for divisive political agendas, he called on the government, law enforcement, and judiciary to uphold constitutional rights and ensure justice. Urging the people of India to resist communal polarization, he emphasized that unity in diversity is the nation’s strength and called for collective efforts to restore democratic and constitutional values.
