Signatories to the letter include former members of parliament, retired bureaucrats, advocates, social activists, and academics
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — Over 30 prominent Muslim leaders and intellectuals, including former members of parliament, retired bureaucrats, advocates, social activists, and academics have urged Muslim lawmakers to show continued unity in safeguarding the community’s rights.
In a joint letter signed on Saturday, they expressed gratitude to Muslim parliamentarians for strongly opposing the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act.
“Your dedication to preserving the sanctity of the Waqf institutions, which hold immense cultural and religious significance, has not gone unnoticed,” the letter said.
The signatories included among others former lawmakers Azeez Pasha, Ahmad Imran, Kunwar Danish Ali, Shahid Siddiqui, and Mohammad Adeeb; Wajahat Habibullah retired IAS official, Gen Zameer Uddin Shah (Retd), former V-C Aligarh Muslim University, Syed Sadatullah Hussaini, chief of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Advocate Feroze Ahmad Ansari, President of the All India Muslim Majlis-e Mushawarat, Dr Syeda Saiyidain Hameed, former member Planning Commission and National Commission of Women, Abdul Rauf Shaikh, ex Dy Commissioner, ex CEO Maharashtra Waqf Board, Afzal Amanullah (IAS Retd), former Secretary Govt. of India, Prof. Mohd. Aslam, former Vice-Chancellor IGNOU & Social Scientist, Prof. Abuzar Kamaluddin, former Vice Chairman of the Intermediate Education Council, and Prof Hasina Hashia, in charge of the Women’s Wing of the All India Milli Council. The letter was issued to the press by Navaid Hamid, General Secretary of the Movement for Empowerment of Muslim Indians and former president of All India Muslim Majlis-e Mushawarat.
Key Concerns:
– Waqf Amendment Bill: The recent passage of the bill has left the Muslim community feeling disillusioned and marginalised, sparking concerns about their constitutional rights.
– Diminishing Minority Voices: The letter highlights the diminishing relevance of minority voices in the broader socio-political discourse.
– Erosion of Inclusive Vision: The current circumstances are seen as a stark contrast to the vision of India’s ancestors and leaders, who envisioned an inclusive nation where all communities coexist in harmony.
Call to Action
The letter urges Muslim parliamentarians to:
– Joint Representation: Make a joint representation to the President of India, requesting reconsideration of the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act.
– Bold Measures: Consider bold measures, including daily protests and boycotting parliamentary proceedings, if a positive response is not received from the President’s office.
– United Front: Present a united front to defend Muslim rights and voice concerns, drawing strategic attention from national and international media.
