Dargah Secretary Syed Sarwar Chishti raises alarm over religious intolerance, and forced nationalistic practices targeting Muslims across the country
AJMER – In a rare and forceful statement, Syed Sarwar Chishti, Secretary of the Ajmer Sharif Dargah Anjuman, has voiced deep concern over what he calls “rising acts of cruelty and hatred” against Muslims across India.
Speaking to the press on Monday, Chishti criticised Hindu organisations for spreading venom against the Muslim community, reaching villages and towns across the nation.
“Every Hindu festival seems to be accompanied by calls for the boycott of Muslim traders,” Chishti said. “People are being encouraged not to purchase from Muslim-owned businesses. Alongside this, several innocent Muslims have lost their lives over mere suspicions of possessing beef. These incidents have caused widespread concern among our community.”
Chishti asked the Centre to take strict action against individuals and groups fomenting religious tension and forcing Muslims to chant slogans such as ‘Jai Shri Ram’ against their will. “Educated and hardworking Muslim youth are being harassed without reason and even sent to jail,” he said. “In many cases, they are not granted bail, while no strict legal action is taken against those spreading hatred.”
He also highlighted the threats faced by Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind President Maulana Mahmood Madani, pointing out the community’s historical contributions. “Threats are being issued against Maulana Madani, whose grandfather, Hussain Ahmad Madani, served the country and society selflessly during India’s struggle for freedom,” Chishti noted. “Why is the Muslim community treated as a mere puppet in this country?”
Addressing Indian Muslims directly, Chishti urged them to raise their voices for their rights while maintaining fear of Allah and acting in the national interest. “Time and again, the loyalty of Muslims is questioned,” he said. “But why are such questions never asked of other communities?”
Chishti also drew attention to the coercion faced by elderly Muslims. “In no Muslim country are Hindu brothers and sisters forced to say ‘Allahu Akbar,’ yet here in India, even 80-year-old elders are compelled to chant ‘Jai Shri Ram’,” he said. “Isn’t this bullying, hooliganism, or a form of terrorism?”
He stressed that the Muslim community has historically stood with the oppressed and always worked for national security. “But the increasing religious disputes and hatred in the country are deeply troubling and must be stopped,” Chishti said.
The Ajmer Sharif Anjuman’s statement reflects growing unease among Muslim leaders and citizens regarding religious intolerance, coercion, and targeted discrimination, signalling an urgent need for intervention from authorities.
