Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Feb 24: As part of nationwide protest, the Popular Front of India (PFI) district unit members staged a protest at War Memorial ground, Ajjarkad here on Friday, February 23 against undemocratic decision of Jharkand government which banned PFI and demanded the withdrawal of ban.
It may be recalled, the Jharkhand government banned PFI for alleged links with terrorist group Islamic State.
G Rajashekhar, president Komu Sauharda Vedike condemning the ban on PFI said, “Rape victim Bilkis Banu trusted the judicial system of India though the verdict was delayed. But we have no trust in Indian judicial system. We do not agree to this decision of ban on PFI. We all condemn this injustice.
“The Jharkand government calling PFI an Islamist organisation is right, but calling PFI a terrorist organization, is not justified. The government has to reveal the evidences to the public to prove its allegation. If PFI is creating fearful environment in the society, then all political party motivated Hindu outfits should be banned across the nation.
“Hundreds of people were killed in Gujarat by BJP, VHP, RSS and their leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself was alleged to be involved in it. He did not raise voice against violence. But now, media is highlighting him to be an efficient person. What is his efficiency?”
“Along with Modi, BJP national president Amit Shah has been sent to jail on criminal cases. He should face inquiry. If he comes out clean from all allegations, I will agree that Shah is a citizen of India. Our judicial system has lost its legitimacy,” he said.
Commenting on Amit Shah's son Jay Shah’s high earning business, Rajashekhar said, “His annual business turnover increased to Rs 80.5 crore in 2015-16 after Modi became the prime minister. Both Shah and his son are engaged in selling Gods and making money in the name God.”
“Babri Masjid demolition is a live example for a heinous act of Hindu outfits. There are witnesses. They are exploiting and killing youths in the name protecting Hindutva and protection of cattle. One motivates them through speech and motivates Hindu activists to plan and another group will execute the plan with sharp weapons in hand.
“Let the Jharkhand government display evidences to prove violence done by Islamist organisations. The Muslim community has its right to form a organization like other Hindu outfits. If they ban PFI without solid proof, let them ban on all Hindu based outfits like RSS and VHP immediately. Firstly, the government should conduct a sincere probe against Jay Shah before banning PFI,” demanded Rajashekhar.
Nisar Ahmed Brahmavar, PFI, district president said, “Muslims organisations opposed BJP leaders. Hence, they have imposed a ban on PFI to suppress the voice of Islamists. Peace loving Muslims do not want this happen.
“Giving reason for the ban, the chief minister of Jharkhand has alleged that members of PFI are influenced by ISIS. Surprisingly, the state government has quoted some unverifiable reports about people who have allegedly gone to Syria. The decision to ban PFI is highly prejudiced and a clear expression of political vendetta of the Hindutva regime known for using draconian laws to curb the struggle of the marginalized sections of people in the state. It is a clear violation of the fundamental rights given by the Constitution. We hope to overcome this action by democratic means and through legal recourse,” he said.
State secretary of PFI Shafi Bellare said, “The central government is trying to suppress Muslims organisations, after BJP came to power. It is suppressing the principles of the Constitution, democracy and secularism of India. Let them prove all allegations of crimes, which were committed by PFI.”
Fr William Martis, Yasin Malpe, Hussain Kodibengre, Sheikh Salahuddin, T N Budan Basha, former Wakf board member, Jayan Malpe, DSS leader, Khatib Abdul Rashid, Abdul Rehman Malpe and others were present.