A sea of skull caps engulfed the spacious Gandhi Maidan here on Sunday when Muslims from different parts of Bihar and other States arrived to take part in the “Deen Bachao, Desh Bachao” (save religion, save nation) conference from where a call for greater unity in the society was aired.
The conference organised by Imarat Shariah, the highest respected religious body having its base in Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal, was bitterly critical of what it alleged Union Government’s interference in the Shariah laws, well-organised communal riots and attempt to impose Uniform Civil Code. “Those involved in the unconstitutional acts should be replied through democratic manner,” the clerics said and the crowd took pledge to save their faith and the country.
Imarat head Maulana Wali Rahmani said the country was passing through a very critical phase nd those enjoying power were involved in spreading terror, hatred and social disorder which has created a reign of fear and uncertainty. “The democracy and judiciary are under threat and courts are being used to impose a particular ideology,” said Rahmani who is also general secretary of All India Muslim Personal law Board. He alleged that all the institutions in the country were being destroyed and the Muslims, SC, ST and weaker sections were being targeted.
Giving a sermon of bringing greater unity in the Muslim society ignoring petty differences, the cleric made a reference of Bharat bandh by the Dalits and Sikh’s effort to streamline their lives post anti-Sikh riots and asked Muslim to take a lesson from them.
In its resolutions the conference severely condemned the interference in the Sharia laws and called for withdrawal of Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2017 by urging the Government to change its stand. It said the attempts to create fear among Muslims and Dalits and dilution of constitution might pose threat to the unity of the country. It saluted the four Supreme Court judges and said attempt to influence judicial system by the Government would prove fatal for democracy. Another resolution expressed concern over the shattering of social fabric and unending series of communal riots. It alleged that rioters were getting Government patronage and particularly condemned the Governments in UP, Rajasthan, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat for their “partisan” role.
The conference had not invited any politician but all the parties, except BJP, put up their banners and posters. They included RJD, JD(U), Congress, lJP and the top leaders of these parties were prominently projected in the billboards.