Muslim body welcomes PM's statement on community

Aligarh, Sep 21: A body of Muslim intellectuals, today welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement lauding the patriotism of Muslims in the country.

The Forum for Muslim Studies and Analysis (FMSA) today passed a resolution stating that by acknowledging and accepting the positive contribution to the nation by this vital segment of the country's populace, the PM has tried to assuage the collective hurt undergone by the Muslim community recently because of some vitriolic utterances by some of his own party members.

The Forum in its resolution has urged the PM to now take remedial steps for ensuring that those of his party members who are persisting with their divisive communal agenda are not permitted to do so.

"This is the only way that he can ensure that the country's development plans can bear fruit," it said.

The resolution stressed that Muslim community was second to none in its patriotism and would thwart the evil designs of any external force which tries to disturb the peace of the country.

In a separate resolution, the FMSA expressed serious concern on a recent report that a Muslim member of the Indian Army - Subedar Ishrat Ali of Rajputana Rifles was allegedly penalised by his superior for calling out "Jai Hind".

According to a report, his superior insisted that Ishrat Ali should instead adopt the salutation of Ram Ram or Jai Mata Di while addressing his colleagues and superiors and refrain from saying Jai Hind.

The FMSA has urged the Defence Minister to enquire into the incident and take necessary action against the guilty officer.

The signatories to the above resolutions include Prof Shahabudin Quershi, Prof Razaullah Khan, both former senior faculty members at AMU, Dr G F Sabri, Dr Nasim Ashraf and Dr Fatima Zehra.

PTI