Jamiat Ulama wedded to secularism:Madani

Kanpur, may 28 (UNI) The Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind National General Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP, Mahmood A Madani said here today that his organisation was wedded to secularism and would not compromise with any organisations which were encouraging communalism to divide the nation.

Talking to media persons here, Mr Madani said that unfortunately not even a single political party was following its ideology and they were only encouraging the communal and casteist sentiments among the people for their petty interest. ''If such parties were supported for longer period, unity and the integrity of nation would be in danger,'' he warned.

He did not support religious based organisations formed by Hindus or Muslims. ''Our organisations which took active part in the freedom movement, would continue to set up more and more eduational institutions and help poverty stricken people'', he said.

In reply to a question he said that Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind was not a political front so the question of extending its support to any political party in the coming assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh did not arise.

On the reservation stir, Mr Madani said that the Muslim community should get the benefit of reservation on the basis of their population. They should be given reservation in the job in public and private sectors.

In reply to a question on the Ayodhya issue, Mr Madani said that the matter is pending in the court and both communities should honour the verdict.

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