AIMPLB raises alarm over growing marginalization of Muslims in India
Announces country-wide movement against anti-Muslim measures
New Delhi: India’s largest Muslim organization has announced a country-wide campaign against the growing marginalization of Muslims, citing mob lynchings, mosque demolitions, bulldozer actions and attacks on constitutional and religious rights.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) also decided to publish a comprehensive document detailing the deteriorating condition of Muslims, rising communal tensions and violations of fundamental rights across the country. It said the drive is aimed at mobilizing wider public opinion and “awaken the conscience” of Indian society.
The decisions were taken at the Board’s Executive Committee meeting and announced at a press conference in New Delhi by its national spokesperson Dr. S. Q. R. Ilyas. He said the committee conducted an extensive review of the prevailing situation before adopting a series of resolutions expressing concern over the worsening conditions faced by Muslims in India.
The Board said the proposed movement would focus on incidents of mob violence against Muslims, demolition of mosques, madrasas, and Muslim neighborhoods, bulldozer actions, efforts to make the Hindu nationalist song Vande Mataram compulsory, implementation of the Uniform Civil Code in BJP-ruled states, and recent judicial developments concerning the historic Kamal Maula Mosque.
“The Executive Committee expressed grave concern over the rapidly deteriorating situation,” Ilyas said, adding that Muslims’ lives, property, places of worship, personal law, fundamental rights and even their faith and beliefs are under continuous attack in BJP-governed states.
The Board announced it would prepare a detailed report on communal tensions and violations of constitutional rights, arguing that the erosion of minority rights poses a threat to India’s democratic structure, social harmony and development.
The Executive Committee also criticized the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s ruling in the Kamal Maula Mosque case, saying it disregarded historical records, offiical documents and centuries-old Muslim worship at the site. On the issue of Vande Mataram, the Board maintained that making the song compulsory violates Article 25 of India’s Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion. The AIMPLB also reiterated its opposition to the Uniform Civil Code, noting that after Uttarakhand and Gujarat, similar legislation is being pursued in Assam, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
