By Mumtaz Alam Falahi, TwoCircles.net,

New Delhi: Keeping aside their deep-rooted differences, Muslim religious, and community leaders gathered today on a platform ‘erected’ by Syed Ahmad Bukhari, Shahi Imam of Delhi’s Jama Masjid, and condemned in unison the Muslim bashing both by the government and media.

Gathered on the call of Imam Bukhari, in the context of allegations on Muslims for terrorist bombings and consequent arrest of youths, now well educated, of the community, Muslim leaders sounded disheartened by the secular political parties as they have been proved failed in checking attacks on Muslims in the country, and expressed need for formation of a Muslim political party.

While supporting the decision of the Imam to call all Muslim leaders on a platform, Maulana Abdur Razzaq, vice president of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, alleged that Hindutva extremist organizations are working in the name of Indian Mujahideen. He denied Muslims’ involvement in terrorism in the country.

He emphasized on formation of a Muslim political front which will align secular forces also.

Barelvi leader Tauqueer Raza Khan said the terrorist activities and then attacks on Muslims are not just for electoral gains. They are part of “deep rooted conspiracy to eliminate Muslims” he said.

Supporting Imam Bukhari he said: “Muslims in the country today are looking towards this Jama Masjid for guidance and leadership.”

He reiterated Jamiat leader’s statement that Hindutva forces are behind bombings in the country.

Maulana Ahmad Qasmi of All India Muslim Mushawarat expressed concern over the absence of top Muslim leaders from this meeting.

All India Muslim Personal Law Board President Rabe Hasani Nadwi and Director of Darul Uloom Deoband Maulana Marghoobur Rahman could not attend the programme. They had sent their messages. Jamaat-e-Islami Hind was represented by its secretary Intezar Naeem while its all top leaders were in Delhi as its central advisory council meeting was going on.

Maulana Qasmi also emphasized on the need for formation of a political front.
Former Jamiat Ulama president Maulana Arshad Madani in his speech said there is a need for serious steps to bail out the Muslim community.

He also expressed concern on rise in terrorism in the country, demonization of Muslims in the garb of terrorism and deliberate ignoring of bombings in which Hindu extremists have been found involved.

In his inaugural speech Shahi Imam Ahmad Bukhari had described the situation confronting the Muslims in India as one done in Spain. He expressed the need to formulate a mechanism to take on the challenge in a united, concerted and planned way.

He also suggested constitution of a cell to help the people falsely arrested in terrorism cases.