The Hindu : Law-abiding Muslims targeted, says Imam

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jul 17, 2002

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Law-abiding Muslims targeted, says Imam

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI JULY 16. Molvi Mohammad Mouzzam Ahmed, Naib Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid, Fatehpuri, today issued an appeal to all law-abiding Indians to join forces to defeat the opportunistic forces which were trying to divide the country for petty and selfish ends.

In a statement on communal violence in Gujarat and injustice done to the minority community, the Naib Shahi Imam said "in times of such grave moral dilemma, the country needs the healing touch of a fair, just and visionary leadership; neither criminals nor cowards can be entrusted with the fate of this great nation''.

The Molvi said the law-abiding common Muslim folk of Gujarat had been targeted by the state-sponsored vandals and arsonists who looted, raped and murdered indiscriminately.

He also criticised the Congress.

"The opposition Congress party in Gujarat has also done precious little to stand by the Muslim community in its hour of need. It is almost as if they are afraid of upsetting the fundamentalists among the majority community,'' he said while admiring the role played by the supercop, K.P.S. Gill, for reining in mischievous elements.

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