With the spotlight on a Hindutva terror network following Swami Aseemanand's confession, hundreds of supporters of various Muslim organisations gathered at Mumbai's Azad Maidan on Thursday afternoon to protest against “Sanghi” terrorism and the routine stigmatisation of Muslims in terror probes.
The agitators demanded a ban on “fascist organisations” such as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Abhinav Bharat. “These organisations are the root cause of hatred and enmity between people in the nation,” a press release stated.
‘Propaganda'
They alleged by carrying out a propaganda through the media, investigators had built a perception that Muslims were responsible for terrorism.
In light of Swami Aseemanand's confession of his involvement in the Malegaon 2006 blast, they demanded bail for the nine accused arrested in the case.
“If there is a blast in a masjid and Muslims are killed, even a common man will tell you that it cannot be the job of a Muslim person. Investigating agencies have deliberately twisted investigations and trapped Muslim youths. Strict inquiry and action is needed against the RSS and erring investigators. A blast is a blot on the nation,” Malegaon's Maulana Azhari, who was at the rally, told The Hindu .
The other demands of the protesters were “unconditional release of Muslim youths who are still behind bars” in connection with the Mecca Masjid, Ajmer Sharif, and Samjhauta Express blasts, and “impartial investigation” into the murder of Sunil Joshi, RSS pracharak who was suspected to be working under Swami Aseemanand.
