Hyderabad: The All India Federation of Muslim Women Organizations voiced profound anguish and concern over recent events in the country, where local government cooperation is evident. It emphasized that developments during the last eight months have revealed a dangerous and frightening trend of marginalization and humiliation of Muslims in various states, notably those governed by the BJP.
Dr. Asma Zehra, Convener of the Federation of Muslim Women Organizations, said,” It is a sad reality of our Nation that the Saffron forces have succeeded in raking up communal tensions in the country. Not a single day passes when Muslims are attacked, their homes burnt, property looted, and homes demolished.
In addition to that, she said, ironically, the arrests are also of Muslim boys and young men. Through an agenda of hate and discrimination towards Muslims, their businesses, dress, women, food, Prayers, and Worship are systematically targeted in the country, making life difficult for common Muslims.
Because of this, Dr. Zehra said, the most vulnerable members of the community are women, children, and the elderly are suffering the Most, while social, political, and religious institutions remain mute and fearful.
She listed the events that targeted Muslim women through social media.
“In July 2021, Muslims women were targeted by Sulli deals and the BulliBai App; in November, 10,000 farmers and peasants in Darang, Assam were forced to flee their homes and rendered landless; in December, pundits made an open call for Genocide at DharamSansad; and on March 15, 2022, the Karnataka High Court issued a ruling on hijab, which was followed by a boycott of Muslim businesses and traders”.
They are not raising a united front against injustice, nor can they hold the government accountable; in reality, they are absent from the scene. The Muslim community as a whole has issued a call for patience and peace. They have forgotten that Muslims are equal citizens of this country, and no effort has been made to obtain Justice followingits Rule of Law and Constitution. This is supported by the government as none of the Ministers condemn this media bashing.
“An examination of events over the last eight months reveals a dangerous and frightening pattern of marginalization and humiliation of Muslims, including media trials and labeling them as anti-National.”.
The release of the film “The Kashmir Files” to exacerbate and fuel sectarian tensions, as well as the promotion of the film by cabinet ministers and the federal and state governments, have all contributed to a climate of hostility and revenge towards Muslims, said Dr. Zehra who is also the member of All India Muslim Personal Law Board.
“The effect of the propaganda can be observed in the ShobhaYatras, which resulted in violence and riots against Muslims in eight states from April 8 to 14, 2022. Riots were witnessed in Karauli in Rajasthan, Sabarkantha in Gujarat, and Khargone in Madhya Pradesh due to these activities ‘.
She also took note of the demolition drive of the BJP-led Madhya Pradesh government in Khargone town, which was questioned by many secular and intellectual personalities
Local Muslims in Jharkhand are regularly subjected to loud music from a DJ and filthy shouts and chanting by Ram’s so-called “Bhakts.” On the roadways of Uttar Pradesh, it has been standard practice to insult and humiliate Muslims with offensive chants publicly. The police do not intervene, instead of telling Muslims not to retaliate since the government is ‘theirs.’ Thousands of Muslim dwellings in Himachal Pradesh were demolished because the land belonged to the railways. Attacks against Masjids and provocation by Hindutva fanatics have been reported in Delhi, Hubli, Kurnool, and other states.
Dr. Zehra warned that Muslims could not be treated like slaves or second-grade citizens.
“Every community has a right to life of Dignity and to raise its voice against any form of Oppression. The situation demands action for the Protection of life and livelihood.”
The challenges are many, and it is beyond the capacity of the milli organizations to struggle for Justice and save and protect Muslims through a peaceful and democratic struggle, she said.
The community and its issues are also being exploited by some “sold out” leaders whose only aim is to degrade Muslims. It is an obligation to help every oppressed citizen and Stops the Oppressor through Peaceful Efforts and Struggle.
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