Even food not safe, says CPM

Guntur: Mr Yousuf Tarigami Mohammed, the CPM MLA from Kulgam in Jammu and Kashmir, expressed concern over the prevailing conditions for minorities and asked the government to protect secularism. He was speaking at a meeting on secularism conducted by the Awaz organisation here on Sunday.

Mr Tarigami expressed the suspicion that demolition of Babri mosque, killing of minorities in Gujarat and the recent Dadri lynching incident were pre-planned to create fear among minorities.

He said, “we fought against terrorism successfully but the growing Hindu fundamentalism is creating fear among the minorities.” He said that the minorities are Indians, they follow the Indian Constitution and law but are branded as extremist by rightist elements, “which is sad.”

Mr Tarigami expressed concern over the Delhi police raid on the Kerala Bhavan in New Delhi to check what food was being cooked. The raid had followed a complaint from a Hindu organisation that beef was being served. This reflected the attitude towards minorities even in the matter of their food. He said every religion preaches peace and harmony and every one should respect the other’s religion, culture and traditions. He said that peace in society was being disturbed by the Sangh Parivar after the BJP came to power in Delhi.

He alleged that the the Sangh Parivar was “trying to eliminate Muslims, Christians and other minorities to promote Hindutva. He alleged that to secure victory in the forthcoming Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, the BJP was provoking Hindus against the minorities. He asked Hindus and the minorities to avoid the traps set by the BJP.

Mr Tarigami claimed AP Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had no vision about minorities protection. He said that Mr Naidu had earlier supported the BJP later kept his distance from the party. However, he entered into an election alliance with the BJP for power.

Former MLA M.A. Gafoor, former MLC K.S. Lakshamana Rao, Muslim United Front leader Sk. Kaleem, Muslim Advocates Association president Syed Baba, Muslim Hakkula Porata Samithi convener, Khaja Vali, Awaz convener Sk. Jilani and others also spoke.

 

 

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