Reservation is for upliftment of the downtrodden : IUML president

Mumbai, Dec 9 (UNI) Stressing the fact that Muslims do not want reservations on the basis of their religion, Indian Union Muslim League(IUML) president Ghulam Mehmood Banatwalla today noted that reservations are not for the upliftment of a community but for the upliftment of the downtrodden.

''We are not demanding reservation because we need upliftment due to our religion. Our religion has not restricted our progress.

But looking at the policies and favours based on religion, we are pressed to ask for reservation for the progress of our Muslim brethren,'' he said addressing an IUML meeting here.

Opposing the idea of enhancing the benefits of the already established creamy layer, Mr Banatwala queried that if Kerala can provide reservations to Muslims, why not the whole of India.

He also highlighted the plight of an Indian Muslim, especially after any terror attack, as only Muslims were targeted as the culprits. ''Why are only Muslims blamed for the blasts at Mumbai and Malegaon?,'' he asked.

''We Muslims are citizens of this country and it holds our loyalty. I pray to 'Allah' that we are given the strength to serve India to the best of our abilities,'' he added.

Mr Samiullah Ansari, state president of IUML and Municipal Corporator, Malegaon, appealed the IUML members to make efforts to bring back the nation's lost glory.

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