Our Correspondent / New Delhi
Alleging that an “undeclared emergency” was prevailing in the country and that constitutional values were under threat, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani on Wednesday launched a nationwide “Hindu-Muslim Unity Movement” aimed at strengthening communal harmony, religious tolerance, and social cohesion.
Addressing the media after a meeting of the Executive Council of Jamiat Ulama Uttarakhand, Madani expressed concern over what he described as growing discrimination, injustice, and hatred against minorities, particularly Muslims. He claimed that constitutional values and democratic norms were under strain and warned that the country was moving toward a “dangerous situation” with potentially serious consequences.
Criticising the use of bulldozer demolitions, Madani said the practice had become a symbol of “revenge and prejudice” rather than justice. He argued that demolishing homes, shops, and places of worship without due legal process violated constitutional principles and undermined the rule of law. Referring to observations made by the Supreme Court in previous cases, he said governments could not assume the role of the judiciary and that questions of legality must be decided by courts.
Madani also alleged that madrasas and mosques were being unfairly targeted despite their historical role in India’s freedom struggle. He said scholars associated with these institutions had contributed significantly to anti-colonial movements and made sacrifices for the country’s independence.
Expressing concern over what he termed the rise of communal politics, Madani said support for divisive elements and the silence of institutions had damaged India’s longstanding traditions of interfaith harmony and coexistence.
Highlighting recent decisions taken by Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, he said the organisation’s Working Committee, which met in New Delhi on May 14–15, resolved to launch a nationwide “Hindu-Muslim Unity Movement.” The initiative will involve programmes across the country focused on promoting mutual tolerance, human dignity, religious harmony, and peaceful coexistence among different communities.
According to Madani, the campaign will remain strictly non-political and will bring together respected personalities from various faiths and social backgrounds who support social harmony and positive societal change.
Despite expressing concern over the current environment, Madani said the majority of Indians continued to believe in fraternity, peace, and coexistence. He asserted that voices advocating harmony remained stronger than forces seeking to divide society.
Reaffirming Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind’s commitment to communal harmony, Madani said the organisation would continue working to strengthen peace, justice, and brotherhood through grassroots outreach and public engagement programmes planned across several states in the coming months.
Concluding his address, Madani urged Muslims to remain patient, peaceful, and steadfast in the face of challenges and called upon all communities to reject hatred and divisive politics. He also appealed to members of the Hindu community to oppose attempts to spread communal discord, saying that national strength was built on mutual respect, love, and fraternity rather than conflict and division.