Jamaat condemns incidents of violence against Muslims

Image used for representational purpose. | Photo Credit: Sushil Kumar Verma

The Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, a leading Muslim body, has said that recent incidents of violence against minorities are “highly disturbing”.

Referring to an incident in Aligarh where an angry mob accused four Muslim men of transporting beef and allegedly stripped them, and beat them with belts and sticks, the Jamaat vice-president Malik Motasim Khan said, “It’s highly disturbing but even more shocking is that the police registered cases against both the attackers and the victims under the Cow Slaughter Act. This is a total miscarriage of justice. Such actions embolden anti-social elements.”

The police had earlier filed complaints against 38 people in the assault case under Sections 191(2) (rioting), 191(3) (unlawful assembly), 190 (unlawful assembly to commit an offence), 109 (attempt to murder), 308 (extortion), 310(2) (robbery) and 3(5) (joint criminal liability) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. A meat sample was sent to a laboratory in Mathura. Following its examination, it was found that the meat was not beef.

According to Mr. Khan, the Aligarh incident is not an isolated case of violence against the community members. “India has witnessed a disturbing pattern of mob lynchings and hate crimes against Muslims, Dalits, and other marginalised groups in recent years, often under the guise of cow protection or love jihad. From the lynching of Abdul Rahiman in Bantwal, Karnataka, to the brutal killing of Ashraf in Mangaluru, to communal clashes in Nagpur and the targeted harassment of Kashmiri Muslims across the country, these incidents are a stain on our nation’s conscience. Despite the Supreme Court’s 2018 ruling against mob lynching, compliance remains patchy, and accountability is rare,” he said.

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The Jamaat vice-president reiterated the organisation’s demand for strict enforcement of anti-lynching provisions. “The fear of the law needs to be reinforced, and a climate of impunity dismantled. The targeting of Muslims not only erodes the fabric of our secular democracy but also threatens India’s unity and security. The government must act swiftly, hold the perpetrators accountable, ensure the safety of minorities, and restore public faith in justice and the rule of law,” he said.

The Jamaat also condemned what it called “bulldozer injustice”. “The Jamaat condemns the ongoing illegal and inhumane demolitions of Muslim properties, homes, and educational institutions, particularly the recent bulldozer actions in Uttar Pradesh.”

Mr. Khan highlighted the alleged singling out of madrasas or Islamic seminaries for punitive action. “A recent fact-finding visit by a JIH delegation to districts like Bahraich and Shravasti revealed that several madrasas with valid registrations and approval have been sealed or demolished without due process, violating the fundamental rights of Muslim citizens. These demolitions, often justified under the guise of “law and order” or “illegal construction”, disproportionately target minorities, especially Muslims. The practice of using bulldozers as instruments of punishment without trial or due process has turned the police and administration into judge, jury, and executioner. This is a clear violation of constitutional norms and a grave threat to our democratic fabric,” he said, adding, “The Jamaat-e-Islami Hind reiterates the Supreme Court observation that ‘properties cannot be demolished merely because they belong to a person accused of a crime’. We urge the administration to adhere to the guidelines issued by the apex court to uphold the rule of law by preventing arbitrary demolitions.”

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Mr. Khan alleged that “demolition drives often take place in the aftermath of incidents of communal violence, where minority homes and institutions are selectively targeted, while the perpetrators of violence enjoy complete impunity. These actions create an environment of fear and insecurity within the Muslim community”. He demanded an immediate halt to bulldozer actions and sought accountability of officials responsible for demolition.

Published - June 03, 2025 09:20 pm IST