Pics: Yahya Hallare
Daijiworld Media Network – Bhatkal (RJP)
Bhatkal, Dec 29: “We should only fight for justice with the help of democratic means and not by employing violent means. Armed struggle is not the answer for any problem,” said Asaduddin Owaisi, member of parliament from Hyderabad and president of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen.
He was speaking as a guest at the valedictory ceremony of the centenary celebrations of Majlis-e-Islah Wa Tanzeem here on Sunday December 28.
Criticizing the 'Ghar Wapsi' re-conversion drive taken up by Hindu outfits, he said, "Instead of talking about Ghar Wapsi ('homecoming'), let them talk about 'black money Wapsi'. This is the land where Prophet Adam stepped his feet. We are from this land. Our faith is not so weak that we will listen to the Ghar Wapsi propaganda.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised to bring black money within a month after coming to power, and depositing Rs 15 lac in every person's bank account. What happened to that promise now?" he questioned.
Asserting that Islam has nothing to do with terrorism and terrorist activities, he said, "I condemn the global attitude of relating violence with Islam. There is no relationship between ISIS, the terrorist organization and Islam. ISIS was born in the US.
"There are thousands of Dalit and Muslim prisoners languishing in jails for no fault of theirs. They should be released. Innocent Muslim youth should be acquited of the accusations of violence," he opined.
He further said, "The police had warned that peace would be disrupted if I came to Bhatkal. Bhatkal is a part of India and I will keep coming here. Nobody can silence me.
"Those who call me communal should answer a few questions first. What is the reason for Muslims in India to remain backward and poor? There are Muslims in India who live under abject poverty. There are 42 percent of poor Muslims in Gujarat, 52.7 percent in Assam and 22.4 percent in Karnataka. Who is responsible for this? We are not vote bank machines. This is our land too, and we have every right to run the country and strive for its prosperity. Our children too should get education and reach the moon. Do not play politics with education. Give us scholarships and better facilities, so that we also get quality education. Do not deprive us of our fundamental rights," Owaisi urged.
Owaisi congratulated Majlis-e-Islah Wa Tanzeem on completing 100 years and appreciated the service it has been rendering to society, especially with relief aids during natural calamities like the Kashmir floods.
Convener of the centenary celebrations committee Abdulla Damudi compered the programme while Tanzeem secretary Mohideen Altaf Kharuri proposed the vote of thanks.
Markazi Jamatul Muslimeen chief qazi Muhammed Iqbal Mullah Nadvi, Khalifa Jamath qazi Maulana Khwaja Mohideen Akrami Nadvi, Tanzeem president Muzammil Qaziya, vice-president S M Syed Parvez and others were present.