IUML wants separate ministry for minorities in the State

The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) urged the Tamil Nadu government to create a separate ministry for the welfare of minority communities in the State as set up by the Centre and in many other States in the country, said K.M. Khader Mohideen, All-India secretary and also Tamil Nadu State president of the IUML, here on Saturday.

Talking to media persons after the State general body meeting of the IUML presided over by him, Mr. Khader Mohideen appreciated the Tamil Nadu government for implementing several welfare schemes for the benefit of the minority community in the State and thanked the government for providing representation to Muslims by giving ministerial berths to two Muslims.

He pointed out that the IUML would extend its full co-operation for the success of the World Tamil Conference to be held at Coimbatore from June 24 to 27 in 2010. He said it was the desire of the IUML for starting a university in the name of Qaid-e-Millath and hoped that it would be fruitful after the World Tamil Conference.

The IUML president said a number of resolutions were passed at the meeting that was attended by more than 500 members including M. Abdur Rahman, MP and MLAs Kalilur Rahman and Abdul Basith.

By a resolution, the IUML expressed its happiness for the victory of the Congress in the Assembly elections held recently in the three States of Maharashtra, Haryana and Arunachal Pradesh.

Answering a question, Mr. Khader Mohideen said the IUML would accept any stand taken by Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi on the Mullaperiyar dam issue. He pointed out that the IUML also welcomed the Tamil Nadu government’s efforts in the rehabilitation of the Tamils in Sri Lanka.

A resolution wanted the Centre to implement Justice Ranganath Misra’s recommendations of providing 10 per cent reservation at the national level for Muslim community in employment and education. The IUML also welcomed the 18-point programme of providing drinking water supply, urban development and administrative reforms in the country.

Mr. Khader Mohideen urged the Centre to increase the number of Haj pilgrims in the country as the present ratio was based only on 2001 census. He said at present, 1.65 lakh Muslims were being allowed to undertake the Haj pilgrimage in the country and pointed out that the population of the Muslim community in Tamil Nadu had increased substantially to about 50 lakh and the number of pilgrims should also have increased.