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Muslim leaders call for communal harmony in Gujarat

Personalities from various walks of life attended the general session of Jamiat-i-Gujarat held at Sardar Bagh on Sunday.

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Personalities from various walks of life attended the general session of Jamiat-i-Gujarat held at Sardar Bagh on Sunday.

While around 3,000 Muslims listened attentively to Maulana Syed Mahmood Asad Madani's call for communal harmony, film director Mahesh Bhatt attacked Modi government for its attitude towards minorities. The conference was also attended by social activist Swami Agnivesh.

The Jamiat Ulema demanded that, in the light of the Sachar committee report, Muslims be given representation in all spheres of public life in proportion to their numbers in society. A senior representative of the Jamiat said that, to avert communal riots, a law must be made holding senior officials and the district administration responsible.

There was more criticism for the state government, this time from the filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt. "It is said that there is 10% growth in the state but money alone can't buy happiness and solidarity," Bhatt said. He also questioned Anna Hazare for praising the Gujarat chief minister and called on Muslims to unite to spread love. "You have to unite to spread love like Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King," Bhatt said.

But Mukul Sinha, a senior lawyer who has represented riot victims before the Gujarat high court and the Nanavati commission, said the message of love has had no effect on the state government. "We have been trying that for the last 10 years but it has had no effect," he said.

Maulana Mahmood Madani in his speech asked Muslim youths to contribute more towards society and religion. "There is no better place for Muslims in the world than India. However, at the same time, it cannot be denied that they have suffered," he said.

He even asked Muslims to introspect. "Muslims are an asset. Yet, at times, people find it discomforting to see a Muslim next to them. Our image has been distorted by others. It is time youngsters rose and changed the image," he said. 

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