Union Minister of State for External Affairs and national president of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) E. Ahmed said that steps should be taken to provide justice to innocent people languishing in the country’s jails in terror-related cases.
This was one of the resolutions adopted at the National Executive meet of the IUML here on Saturday.
“The Muslim League is concerned about the innocent people who are currently in jails without proper trial. Proceedings in such cases should be expedited and justice delivered. There have been cases where such prisoners were set free after many years due to lack of proof. They should be given proper rehabilitation as a compensation for the years lost in prison. The same has been conveyed to the respective State governments and the Central government. Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde has assured me that steps in this direction have already been initiated,” said Mr. Ahmed.
To a question whether this stand of the party applied to People’s Democratic Party leader Abdul Nasser Maudany, he said that if he deserved to be set free as per law, it should be done.
Extremist politics
He added that the IUML had always been in strong opposition to extremist politics.
Another thrust area is development projects for the minorities.
He said that there was a lack of enthusiasm in implementing development schemes aimed at minorities. Many of the recommendations of the Sachar committee and the Ranganath Misra commission were yet to be implemented, said Mr. Ahmed.
The IUML would also work towards an alliance with secular parties to counter right-wing forces working against the minorities.
“There is a need for secular forces to come together considering the emerging political situation in the country. The Congress party is best suited to take the leadership role in such a coalition,” he said. The party also welcomed the moves to provide voting rights for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in local body elections. Mr. Ahmed said that the party would push all State governments to implement the rule.
New General Council
The first meeting of the newly constituted National General Council of the party would be held in Kozhikode on Sunday.
The amendments in the party constitution would be presented and adopted at the council.
“The Election Commission suggested certain changes in the party’s constitution. We have made the amendments after taking in the suggestions of various State committees,” said Mr. Ahmed.
The council will also elect new office-bearers of the party. Five new posts for assistant secretaries have been created as per the amendments.
