Flags Social and Political Marginalisation of Muslims
Andalib Akhter / New Delhi
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on Monday voiced strong concern over what it described as increasing discrimination, social marginalisation and targeted actions against Muslims across several parts of the country, announcing plans to launch a nationwide campaign on issues affecting the community.
Addressing a press conference in the national capital, AIMPLB spokesperson Dr. S. Q. R. Ilyas said the Board’s Executive Committee had undertaken a detailed review of recent developments and concluded that constitutional rights, religious freedoms and social harmony were facing growing challenges. The press conference followed a recent meeting of the Board’s Executive Committee.
According to the Board, incidents of mob violence, demolition drives involving mosques and madrasas, bulldozer actions against residential localities, and policy developments concerning religious and personal laws have created what it termed an atmosphere of insecurity among sections of the Muslim community.
Dr. Ilyas said the Board believes that these developments are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern that requires legal, social and democratic engagement. He alleged that attacks on Muslim lives, property, places of worship and institutions have increased in recent years and expressed concern that public discourse has become increasingly polarised.
The organisation also criticised what it called inadequate institutional response to hate speech and communal rhetoric. According to the Board, stronger action is needed to protect constitutional guarantees and ensure equal treatment before the law.
The AIMPLB further stated that it would prepare and publish a comprehensive document examining what it described as the deteriorating condition of Muslims, communal tensions and alleged violations of constitutional rights. The proposed report, according to the Board, aims to engage civil society groups, legal experts and citizens concerned with democratic values.
Among the issues highlighted during the briefing was the recent legal dispute concerning the Kamal Maula Mosque/Bhojshala site in Madhya Pradesh. The Board expressed disagreement with the related court ruling and argued that historical records and long-standing traditions should receive due consideration. It welcomed the decision to challenge the matter before the Supreme Court and said it would extend legal support to the concerned committee.
The Board also opposed moves to make the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ compulsory in educational institutions and government-supported madrasas. Dr. Ilyas said religious freedom protected under the Constitution must be respected and maintained, particularly in matters involving personal belief and conscience.
Another major issue raised was the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in various states. AIMPLB argued that the matter concerns constitutional interpretation, religious autonomy and India’s plural social framework. The organisation said it intends to continue legal challenges wherever it believes such measures affect religious freedom.
Announcing the next phase of action, the Board said it would launch a nationwide movement in partnership with what it described as justice-oriented, democratic and peace-based groups. An action committee will be constituted to coordinate future outreach and legal initiatives.
The Executive Committee meeting was chaired by Board President Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani and attended by senior religious leaders, legal experts and office-bearers from across the country.