Several Muslim organisations and leaders on Sunday underlined the need to maintain peace and ignore mischief by rumour-mongers and celebrate Id-ul-Fitr in a harmonious atmosphere on Monday.
Over a dozen leaders of various organisations under the aegis of the Coordination Committee of Indian Muslims on Assam issued a joint statement condemning the violence against Muslims in Assam but described the events in its aftermath a “frightening development.”
They said the rumours against northeast citizens, provocative SMSs and e-mails, were aimed at fanning communal passions and were part of a design by anti-national elements with an eye on the general elections.
“Our doors are open”
The leaders assured the people of the northeast that “no harm would be done to you by members of the Muslim community” and said their doors were open for their safe stay.
Describing the situation as dangerous, they called upon the Central and State governments to ensure peace as Id is to be celebrated on Monday.
Expressing fears that anti-national forces could create mischief on the occasion, they appealed to all and Muslims in particular “not to act in any senseless and emotional way.”
Stressing that all attempts at creating trouble had to be nipped in the bud, they urged ulemas to issue appeals for peace and harmony.
They emphasised that none, including Muslims, bore any ill-will towards people of the northeast and said mischievous elements were trying to defame the Muslim community, taking advantage of the Assam situation.
The signatories to the statement included Welfare Party of India convener and president Mujtaba Faroque, All-India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat president Z.I. Khan, Jamiat Ulema Hind secretary Abdul Hamid Nomani, Ahle Hadis general secretary Asghar Imam and All India Milli Council general secretary Manzoor Alam.
“Respect law”
In a separate statement, All-India Ulema and Mashaikh Board secretary Syed Babar Ashraf appealed to Muslims not to “resort to demonstrations, maintain calm and respect the law” and celebrate Id in its true spirit.
