Mahanta assures protection to Muslims

By Our Special Correspondent

GUWAHATI, APRIL 1. If the Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind wanted to tell the political parties in Assam that it commanded the loyalty of majority of Muslims, it delivered the message effectively.

The rally it organised at the Judges Field today was the biggest Guwahati has seen in recent memory. Expectedly, it was attended by leaders, legislators and functionaries of the two major parties - the ruling AGP and the Opposition Congress.

The Chief Minister, Mr. Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, addressed it and so did the APCC chief, Mr. Tarun Gogoi. Both assured the minority community that while foreign agents and infiltrators would not be given quarters, they would not allow harassment of the Muslims in the country.

While Mr. Mahanta said whether the controversial IM(DT) Act was retained or repealed, his Government was committed to protecting the minorities, Mr. Gogoi reiterated his party's stand that the Congress would oppose any move to scrap the Act.

Both flayed the Gujarat Government for the order, revoked later, allowing Government employees to join the RSS.

The West Bengal Congress leader and legislator, Mr. Saugata Roy, demanded the immigrant Muslims settled in the `char' areas be given `patta' (title deed).

The Congress president, Mrs. Sonia Gandhi sent a message, regretting her inability to attend the meeting due to her pressing engagements.

The former Union Finance Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, who came from Delhi to address the rally could not do so, because of an eye infection.

Jamiat leaders including its State president, Moulana Ahmed Ali, who presided, said some political parties were harassing the Muslims of Assam on one pretext or another. On the excuse of deporting Pakistanis or Bangladeshis, or in the name of revising electoral rolls, the Muslims were being asked to give proof of their patriotism.

Other important speakers included the former Assam Chief Minister, Mr. Sarat Chandra Sinha and the former chairman of the Minorities Commission, Dr. Tahir Mahmood.

The meeting demanded revocation of the UP Public Religious Places and Buildings Act.

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Section  : Regional
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