Mahmood Madani courts arrest, launches campaign for Muslim quota

Lucknow: Demand for reservation to Muslims gained momentum with Jamiat Ulema-I-Hind leader and Rajya Sabha MP Mahmood Madani and Jamiat chief Qari Usman Mansoorpuri courting arrest after a public meeting at Jyotiba Phule Park in Lucknow on Thursday. Madani threatened to intensify the agitation in coming days while urging the Muslims to wake up and strive for their rights.

"Reservation is our right. Muslims are the most backward community in the country. Their condition is worse than Dalits in the country. We will not live as tenant in the country but now we want joint ownership in the country," said Madani.

Lashing out at the UPA government he stated that Muslims are only 1.5 percent in government jobs but their representation in jail is 32 percent. "This is a sinister ploy by the government to degrade the Muslim community and unleash a reign of terror over the community," he said. Madani also stated that despite the promise made in the election manifesto, Congress-led UPA government has failed to fulfill its promise to provide reservation to the Muslims.

The meeting which was held at Jyotiba Phule Park in Chowk in Lucknow was well attended with Jamiat workers converging from several districts of the state. Flowing beards and skull caps dominated the meeting ground with several speakers demanding reservation to the Muslims. The Jamiat has launched "Save the Country and Community Campaign' for reservation to Muslims and for inclusion of Dalit Muslims in the SC category.

Madani also demanded that waqf properties should be properly managed and central government should enact a law preventing the state government in appointing their blue eyed man as chairman of waqf boards. "The revenue from waqf boards is in crores of rupees across the country and it should be utilised in such a manner that the general Muslims are benefitted," he said.

However, the meeting was disrupted when a woman identified as Shameem Jahan reached near the dais and started pleading her grievance. She claimed that a BSP legislator was trying to capture her house in Mahmood Nagar in Lucknow. The volunteers, however, quickly hushed her away from the scene.

The meeting was also addressed by state National Chief of JUH Maulana Usman Mansoorpuri, chief of JUH Maulana Hayatullah Qasmi, the brother of former minister Yaqoob Qureishi, Yousuf Qureishi from Meerut and several others. The congregation also offered prayers for the development of the country and community.

source: TCN