Highlight role of Maulanas in 1857 mutiny: Scholars

Mumbai, June 5 (UNI) The All India Ulema Association today urged the Centre and the State governments to highlight the role that Muslim religious scholars and ''maulanas'' played during the 1857 mutiny.

''We want their role to be highlighted,'' said Sayed Athar Ali, the secretary of All India Ulema Association at a news conference at Mumbai Marathi Patrakar Sangh here.

Ali was speaking on the eve of a day-long public meeting on this issue to be held at the famous Haj House at Crawford Market here, where the role played by the maulanas will be highlighted.

''The main objective of this meeting is to serve a reminder to our bretheren of the country regarding precious contributions of Muslim Ulemas in the freedom struggle who showed no hesitation to sacrifice not only their wealth but also lives for their beloved country, Mother India,'' Maulana Ali said.

He said that nearly 8,500 scholars and maulanas have sacrificed their lives during the mutiny. ''Several celebrations are being held all across the nation, but their role is not being highlighted,'' he regretted.

Maulana Ali also said that today every Indian muslim nourishes the same spirit of patriotism, however it was their misfortune that they were being subjected to suffering and humilation.

In the workshop to be held on Wednesday, he said several scholars from Delhi, Bhopal and Azamgarh would attend the conference.

UNI