Team Clarion
NEW DLEHI — Maharashtra wing of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind has condemned the inflammatory remarks made by state minister Nitesh Rane linking madrassas with terrorism and demanded legal action against him.
Recently, Rane had called Nandurbar’s Akkalkuwa taluka “illegal madrassa” claiming a Yemeni national was allegedly planning terror activities. He urged the Maharashtra government to probe all madrasas in the state to ensure they were not promoting terrorism, claiming against links to extremist groups like the Taliban.
In a statement on Wednesday, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Maharashtra, President, Maulana Ilyas Khan Falahi said, “The recent statements made by Maharashtra government minister Nitesh Rane are extremely unfortunate, inflammatory, and divisive. It is deeply concerning that while holding a constitutional position, he is not only violating his oath but also showing contempt for the country’s Constitution and judicial system”.
“Nitesh Rane already has 38 criminal cases registered against him, out of which 22 are related to delivering hateful and inflammatory speeches, inciting communal discord, and creating instability in society. His latest remarks, in which he has attempted to link madrassas with terrorism and cast suspicion on Muslim institutions across the state, are unacceptable. This is not only an attempt to target the country’s minorities but also a blatant attack on constitutional values,” he added.
Maulana Ilyas Khan Falahi stated the allegations he has made against the madrassa in Akkalkuwa are baseless and malicious. This madrassa has been registered and recognised by the government since 1997. More than 15,000 students study there, including 1,250 Hindu students. Additionally, 25 Hindu teachers are part of its faculty. The institution provides education from kindergarten to postgraduate levels, offering courses in ITI, D.Ed, B.Ed, Unani medicine, engineering, law, and other professional fields. It serves as a crucial center of education, empowering thousands of students. “Linking it to terrorism is an attempt to demoralise students and teachers. This is not just a conspiracy to tarnish the image of madrassas but also a calculated political move to intimidate minorities and push them further from the mainstream,” he said.
The JIH Maharashtra Chief averred, “We demand that the Maharashtra government take cognizance of Nitesh Rane’s irresponsible and inflammatory statements and initiate legal action against him. A complaint has already been filed with the police, but as usual, no FIR has been registered. If strict action is not taken against such remarks, it will pose a serious threat to communal harmony. Jamaat-e-Islami Hind strongly opposes such divisive politics and hate speech and calls upon people of all religions and communities to unite in defense of peace and justice.”
