State-level meeting calls for unity against mob lynching and slams Nishikant Dubey’s ‘divisive’ statement in Parliament
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – In a significant gathering, members of the Muslim community met in Jharkhand’s capital Ranchi to voice their concerns over increasing cases of mob lynching and condemn the recent statement by MP Nishikant Dubey in Parliament. The meeting, held under the banner of Jharkhand Anjuman, was attended by representatives from various districts of the state.
Presiding over the meeting, Junaid Anwar, a social worker and patron of ‘Mahi’, emphasised the severity of the issues discussed. “Nishikant Dubey’s statement in Parliament is not only divisive but also the Gangotri of hatred,” Anwar stated, echoing the sentiments of many attendees. The participants unanimously called for a strong condemnation and removal of Dubey’s remarks from the parliamentary records.
Dubey recently made a statement that has been widely criticised by various groups for its divisive nature. Dubey’s comments, which were perceived as targeting the Muslim community, have sparked outrage and concern. At the meeting, the attendees described Dubey’s statement as “extremely communal” and a catalyst for spreading hatred.
“Nishikant Dubey’s statement in Parliament is not only divisive but also spreads hatred,” said one speaker. This sentiment was echoed by several others who felt that such rhetoric only serves to deepen the divide in Indian society. The leaders of the Muslim community called for the statement to be strongly condemned and removed from the parliamentary records.
“Muslims are being harassed by being labelled as infiltrators,” one speaker noted, adding that such terms are being used for electoral gains. “There is no Muslim infiltrator in the country and Jharkhand. This rhetoric must be strongly condemned and retracted.”
Jharkhand Anjuman has been at the forefront of advocating for the rights of the Muslim community in the state. The organisation, which has chapters in various districts, aims to address issues faced by Muslims and work towards their socio-economic development. The state-level meeting in Ranchi was part of these ongoing efforts.
“The purpose of this meeting is that the organisations and social people of the whole of Jharkhand should unite and raise their voices against the injustice being done to the minorities, especially the Muslims,” said Junaid Anwar. He stressed the importance of solidarity and collective action in addressing the challenges faced by the community.
Call for Strong Action
The leaders from the Muslim community urged immediate action against Dubey’s statement, which they described as extremely communal and harmful. “Muslims are being harassed by being labelled as infiltrators,” one speaker noted, adding that such terms are being used for electoral gains. “There is no Muslim infiltrator in the country and Jharkhand. This rhetoric must be strongly condemned and retracted.”
Speakers also called for nationwide unity to combat the growing menace of mob lynching, demanding stringent laws with provisions for the death penalty. “Today, Muslims are politically marginalised, yet they are being targeted. We seek a relationship of harmony and brotherhood with all citizens,” they asserted. The community leaders emphasised their readiness to contribute to the country’s development despite facing severe challenges.
The issue of mob lynching has been a significant concern for the Muslim community in India. In recent years, there have been numerous reports of Muslims being attacked and killed by mobs, often under the pretext of accusations such as cow slaughter or religious conversions. These incidents have raised serious questions about the safety and security of Muslims in the country.
At the meeting, speakers called for a united front against mob lynching. “All countrymen should unite on mob lynching and demand a strict law against it which should have a provision for the death penalty,” said one speaker. The call for such a law reflects the frustration and anger within the community over the repeated incidents of mob violence.
Marginalisation of Muslims
The speakers also addressed the issue of political marginalisation of the Muslim community. Despite being a significant minority in the country, Muslims often find themselves excluded from mainstream politics and decision-making processes. This exclusion is exacerbated by the rise of communal politics and rhetoric, which seeks to portray Muslims as the “others”.
“Today, Muslims are politically marginalised, yet they are being targeted,” said one speaker. “We should not be made a pawn in the game of politics and our path of development should not be blocked. We want a relationship of harmony and brotherhood with all the citizens of the country. Together we are ready to contribute to the development of the country.”
The speakers emphasised the need for Muslims to be treated as equal citizens with the same rights and opportunities as any other community. They also highlighted the importance of political participation and representation for the development and empowerment of the Muslim community.
Expressing their frustration, the attendees highlighted how Muslims are often used as political pawns during elections. “Muslims are already marginalised in politics, and this so-called vote bank has disintegrated,” a participant lamented. The meeting underscored the need for the community to focus on education as a path to development.
The use of Muslims as political pawns was a recurring theme at the meeting. Speakers pointed out that Muslims are often targeted and vilified for political gains, particularly during election campaigns. This, they argued, only serves to deepen the sense of alienation and marginalisation within the community.
“It is unfortunate that Muslims are used as pawns in politics,” said one speaker. “Doing politics in the name of Muslims is unfortunate. Muslims are not influential anywhere in the country and the so-called vote bank has also disintegrated.”
Speakers called for an end to the use of communal rhetoric and politics of division. They emphasised the need for inclusive and development-oriented politics that addresses the real issues faced by the people.
The meeting underscored the importance of education for the development and empowerment of the Muslim community. It pointed out that education is the key to overcoming many of the challenges faced by Muslims, including poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion.
Speakers called for increased investment in education for Muslims, including scholarships, infrastructure development, and affirmative action policies. They also emphasised the need for quality education that equips Muslims with the skills and knowledge required to compete in the modern economy.
Concerns were also raised over what was described as a conspiracy to deprive Muslims of employment opportunities. “Our path to development is being deliberately blocked, causing anger and restlessness among our community,” speakers stated. Despite these challenges, the Muslim community has shown restraint and a commitment to brotherhood.
The issue of employment discrimination against Muslims was highlighted at the meeting. The speakers pointed out that Muslims often face discrimination in the job market, which limits their opportunities for economic advancement. This, they argued, is part of a larger conspiracy to marginalise and exclude Muslims from mainstream society.
Mob Lynchings in Jharkhand
The meeting shed light on recent mob lynching incidents in Jharkhand, citing the deaths of three Muslims in Mahilong, Koderma, and Dumka. “In Koderma, the lynching occurred in the presence of the police,” it was revealed, highlighting the urgency for stricter law enforcement and protection measures.
Speakers pointed out that these incidents are not isolated but part of a larger pattern of violence and discrimination against Muslims. They called for immediate action to address the issue of mob lynching, including the implementation of stringent laws and measures to protect vulnerable communities. They also emphasised the need for greater awareness and education to counter the spread of hatred and violence.
Ibrar Ahmed, convenor of Mahi and Sajha Manch, emphasised that there is no contradiction between Islam and nationalism. “If politics is influencing us, we will also influence politics. We must unite and struggle democratically to solve our problems,” he said. Ahmed warned that the politics of hatred poses a significant threat to the country’s unity and integrity.
Dr. Tariq Hussain, General Secretary of Anjuman Islamia Ranchi, echoed these sentiments. “In today’s hateful environment, Muslims have become electoral pawns. Both the ruling party and the opposition are playing politics at our expense,” he concluded, calling for a collective effort to overcome these challenges.
Need for Collective Action
The meeting concluded witah a call for collective action and solidarity among Muslims and other marginalised communities. The speakers emphasised the importance of unity and cooperation in addressing the challenges faced by the community. They also called for greater engagement with other communities and groups to build a broader coalition for social justice and equality.
“Let us all unite and work like the bird that was trying to extinguish the blazing fire by taking water from its beak,” said Junaid Anwar, invoking a popular metaphor for perseverance and collective effort.
The speakers also stressed the importance of democratic and peaceful means of struggle. “We must unite and struggle in a democratic way to solve our problems,” said Ibrar Ahmed. “The politics of hatred divides the country ideologically, which gives immediate political benefits but ultimately it is a problem for the unity and integrity of the country.”
