Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP/SB)

Mangaluru, May 2: A convention of like-minded Muslim organizations led by United Muslim Front titled 'Mangaluru Chalo' was held at Nehru Maidan here on Tuesday May 2 to condemn alleged police atrocity against Ahmed Qureshi, an accused in an attempt-to-murder case, and to demand justice for him. The Front, however, in a separate statement had said that 'Mangaluru Chalo' programme had nothing to do with 'Justice for Qureshi' campaign undertaken by it.

Addressing the gathering, Muslim Central Committee president K S Masood said, "We have not gathered here to indulge in politics. There is no groupism among us here. We have come here to show our protest against injustice. This protest is not from a group or association. It is a protest from the entire Muslim community. We love peace and hence we have gathered here peacefully. There is no intention of making provoking speeches or raising slogans. This is just the start of our restless protest against injustice. There is a limit for patience.

"We do not support Ahmed Qureshi's criminal background. But in the name of criminal background, police tortured him brutally. It is against human rights. Now he has lost his kidney. We are against this type of police behaviour.

"Police are alleging that PFI threw stones and bottles on police during the protest last month. But I am asking publicly today, why are the police not showing any video or any evidence to the public regarding this? We know there is a hidden agenda behind this. We have controlled ourselves, but if police and administration continue to harass our community, we will show who we are. We do not support terrorism or goondaism. We emphasize on 'live as a common and respected citizen of our nation'," Masood said.

"During my political career I led several protests. Today I am here to support this protest. If I sit here in a protest mood the whole scenario will change. So I appeal to the police, do not give rise to such a situation. Today's protest is only a sample of what we can do. On behalf of the protesters, I demand judicial enquiry into the Qureshi incident," he added.

Former mayor K Ashraf in his introductory speech said, "We are not blaming all police officers. But there are some in the department who are compelling us to blame the entire police force. In Dakshina Kannada some police officers are targeting the Muslim community. From long, police have been arresting Muslim youths without any proof. Several times we have given complaints regarding this to higher officers and the government, but all our efforts have gone in vain.

"The Muslim community is known for its unity all over India, but in Mangaluru we are divided into many groups. There is no unity. The police and anti-Muslim forces have advantage due to our lack of unity, and now they trying to split our community further. Tomorrow this situation will come to other communities also. So do not think that this protest is limited to Qureshi incident alone. We will fight against police brutality and injustice to common people, no matter which religion the victim belongs to.

"Today the entire police department is trying to brand our community as 'liars'. They are showing videos of Qureshi and saying he is fit and that the Muslim community is spreading false news about his health. Why are they showing video of his treatment in hospital?" he asked.

"Karopadi viceipresident Jaleel had filed complaints in the police station and given indications that some people were baying for his blood. But police said Jaleel was telling lies. The result is in front of us - Jaleel was murdered. In Karthik Raj murder case too, the police tried to frame our community youths. So now is the time to wake up. I call upon all my community members to be alert and come forward and raise their voice against injustice. I appeal to leaders from our community who work in various parties to not go behind power. Think of community first, then party," he urged.

Islamic preacher and chairman of NKM, Bengaluru Shafi Sahadi said, "We are peace lovers. The Quran teaches us to live in peace. But we have the right to protect ourselves. No religion supports injustice, so it is our duty to fight against injustice irrespective of caste and creed. We are the citizens of India and the Indian Constitition gives protection to every community. Hence, with this in mind we should plan our protests."

Ashraf Kinara welcomed the gathering, while Yakub Maulavi led the prayer. Ahmed Qureshi's brother Nishad, S B Darimi from Mulky, advocate Dinesh Ulaipady, Hussain Darimi, and many others were present. Shihab, who was allegedly tortured by police in Karthik Raj murder case, was also present.

Interestingly, Popular Front of India, which has a considerable membership, and SDPI, stayed away from the programme. SDPI district president Haneef Khan Kodaje's statement that this decision was taken in tune with the stand of United Muslim Front of which SDPI is a constituent, is making rounds in WhatsApp.