The shadow cast over the last few days of the month of Ramzan because of the rumours — of possible attacks on the northeastern community here post-Id-ul-Fitr — seems to have cleared. On one hand, the exodus of migrants has tapered off, and on the other, the festive spirit has truly kicked in.
Aga Sultan, former member of the Bangalore University Syndicate, said the enduring goodwill that is the spirit of Id had triumphed over forces acting against the secular fabric of India.
“The game plan of anti-social elements to disrupt harmony in this land of diverse cultures and religions will not succeed,” he said.
He is one of the signatories to a joint appeal by various religious and community leaders not to heed rumours and to maintain communal harmony.
Appeal
Several confidence-building measures are being planned across the city.
Syed Tanveer Ahmed, editor of the portal karnatakamuslims.com, along with community leaders, is organising an Id celebration at the Haj camp on Miller’s Road here, especially for people from the northeast.
“We have also appealed to people to invite those from the northeast for the festival in their neighbourhood,” said Mr. Tanveer.
“The entire community has been put in the dock, which is not fair,” he said, adding that appeals are being made to house owners in areas such as Shanthinagar and Neelasandra to play a positive role and build confidence.
His portal is planning to carry advertisements in Assamese newspapers to tell them that people are safe in Karnataka. “The ad will carry phone numbers of prominent Muslim leaders also,” he said.
Cautious
Mohammed Khurshid Alam, an Urdu teacher here, felt that Muslims would celebrate Id with fervour, but with some caution.
“I think fewer people will venture out late in the evening or travel long distances because the needle of suspicion is, after all, on Muslims right now, because of some wild rumours,” he said.
Mr. Alam is hopeful that such misapprehensions will be put to rest after Id-ul-Fitr.
