UMF hails Centre for banning anti-Islam film

Hyderabad, Sept 24: The United Muslim Forum, a representative body of 21 prominent religious organisations, on Monday appreciated the measures taken by Government of India in imposing a ban on anti-Islam movie "The Innocence of Muslims".

Addressing a press conference here, Forum member and All India Muslim Personal Law Board's Assistant General Secretary Moulana Mohammad Abdul Raheem Qureshi demanded that the government should ensure strict implementation of prohibition of exhibition of the film or its any part or of its trailers on social networking sites. He also demanded that the United States Government should take note of the mischievous film and apologise to the Muslims all over the world for the same. He also demanded that the Muslim countries exert pressure for passing a resolution in the UN Security Council to declare any activities likely to promote contempt and hatred against beliefs and religious personalities, a culpable crime and to issue directions to the member countries to legislate laws against the offence.

Moulana Raheem Qureshi also expressed concern over the attack on Muslims by Bodos in Assam. Claiming that the attacks have displaced about five lakh people, he demanded that the government disarm Bodos whose terrorist outfits were still armed with AK-47 and other firearms. He demanded the dissolution of present Bodo Area (Autonomous) Council and reconstitution of the same giving proportionate representation to all residents of Bodoland.

The Forum also expressed concern over the recent arrests of educated Muslim youth in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. He said several Muslim youth were arrested only on mere suspicion and without any reliable evidence. The UMF demanded that the government instruct the police officials not to arrest youth without verifying the reliability of prima facie evidence against them.

Moulana Hussanuddin (Saani) Jaffer Pasha, Moulana Raheemuddin Ansari, Muneeruddin Mukhtar, Moulana Safi Ahmed Madani and other religious leaders were also present. 

- INN