NEW DELHI — Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) on Tuesday strongly condemned the “ongoing genocide” in Gaza, the rising tide of anti-Muslim violence in India, and the continued use of bulldozers to demolish Muslim institutions and homes without following due process.
JIH Vice President Prof. Salim Engineer condemned Israel’s latest military operation, “Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” as a renewed onslaught against the Palestinian people while speaking at the organization’s monthly press conference at its headquarters.
“This brutal assault has involved indiscriminate bombings, ground invasions, and the destruction of homes, hospitals, and schools,” he said. “More than 53,000 Palestinians have been killed, including nearly 18,000 children. From the bombing of hospitals and schools to massacres at aid distribution sites, these are war crimes.”
Prof. Engineer condemned the blockade of humanitarian aid and the systematic destruction of Gaza’s civilian infrastructure, warning that 2.3 million Palestinians now face famine and lack access to medical care. He accused the United States of complicity and criticised the international community for its “shameful apathy.” Calling for urgent global action, he demanded “an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, lifting of the blockade, and the restoration of all Palestinian rights, including the right of return and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.”
The JIH also urged the Indian government to adopt a principled stance. “It must go beyond expressions of concern and demand decisive international action against Israel’s actions in Gaza,” Prof. Engineer said.
He also expressed concern over recent floods and landslides in India’s northeastern region, stating that JIH has launched relief efforts and called on the government to take “special measures to protect lives and property in the affected areas.”
Organization’s another vice-president Malik Moatasim Khan spoke about the incidents of anti-Muslim violence within India, citing the recent attack on four Muslim meat traders in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. “They were stripped, beaten, and falsely charged under the Cow Slaughter Act,” he said, adding that such incidents are part of a growing pattern of mob violence. He also referred to the killings of Abdul Rahiman in Bantwal and Ashraf in Mangaluru, calling for stricter enforcement of anti-lynching provisions in the Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, including life imprisonment and capital punishment for lynching-related crimes.
“Even more shocking is the police registering cases against both the attackers and the victims under the Cow Slaughter Act. This is a total miscarriage of justice and condoning the culprits who took the law in their own hands. Such actions emboldens these anti-social elements as they feel assured that we will not be punished for any anti-Muslim violence.”
He said it was not an isolated incident as the country has witnessed a disturbing pattern of mob lynchings and hate crimes against Muslims, Dalits, and other marginalized groups in recent years, often under the guise of cow protection or “love jihad.
Khan further criticised the use of bulldozers to demolish Muslim homes and religious institutions, particularly in Uttar Pradesh and Ahmedabad in Gujarat.
“A recent JIH fact-finding delegation visited Bahraich and Shravasti districts, where madrasas with valid registration and approvals were sealed or demolished without due process,” he said. “This is a violation of constitutional rights and a dangerous threat to democratic principles.”
He underlined that a disturbing trend has emerged where madrasas – centres of learning and community support are being systematically targeted under flimsy pretexts. He said so-called Bangladeshi settlement has become a ruse to bulldoze Muslim colonies.
Referring to a Supreme Court observation, Khan reiterated that “properties cannot be demolished merely because they belong to someone accused of a crime.” He urged authorities to follow due legal procedures and uphold the rule of law.
