Bengaluru: A delegation from Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem Bhatkal met with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at the Vidhan Soudha in Bengaluru. They presented a memorandum demanding strict action against individuals fostering communalism and incitement following the upcoming parliamentary elections. Additionally, they urged the repeal of all anti-Muslim laws enacted by the previous BJP government.
The delegation, which traveled from Bhatkal to Bengaluru, emphasized that certain laws passed by the previous BJP administration were discriminatory against minorities, particularly Muslims. These laws included bans on the hijab, cancellation of 2B reservation, prohibition of cow slaughter, and restrictions on religious conversion. Bhatkal Tanzeem called for the withdrawal of these laws.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister was reminded of the support he received from the people of Karnataka, especially the Muslim minority, who opposed the communal and fascist policies of the BJP. They highlighted the Congress's success in achieving this goal and requested action to rectify the injustices faced by the Muslim community due to the previous government's policies.
Bhatkal MLA and Uttara Kannada incharge minister, Mankal Vaidya facilitated the meeting between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the delegation, which was led by Tanzeem President Inayatullah Shabandari. The delegation included vice president Atiqur Rahman Muniri, Mohiddin Ruknuddin, Iqbal Suhail, Ashfaq KM, Advocate Imran Lanka, Mubeen Damudi, Musaddique Ikkeri, Faizan Burmawar, and Ashraf Shabandri.
In addition to discussing legislative issues, the delegation also addressed the recent situation in Bhatkal and urged for stringent measures to maintain peace across the state.
Following the meeting with the Chief Minister, the delegation met with Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwar, Housing, Minority Welfare, and Waqf Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, and State Assembly Speaker UT Qadir to highlight the challenges faced by Bhatkal and seek cooperation.
The memorandum presented to Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwar expressed concerns about potential disruptions to law and order, particularly in Uttara Kannada district and Bhatkal, ahead of the parliamentary elections. Recent incidents, such as attempts to install poles for saffron flags without permission, were cited as examples of communal tensions.
The delegation emphasized the need for proactive measures by law enforcement agencies to prevent communal violence and ensure the safety of all communities. They called upon the Home Minister to intervene and instruct relevant departments to take strict action against individuals or groups inciting communal tensions.
Overall, the delegation sought the government's cooperation in addressing communal challenges and ensuring the rule of law in Bhatkal and surrounding areas.