2 min readLucknowOct 11, 2015 12:26 AM IST
First published on: Oct 11, 2015 at 12:26 AM IST
CLAIMING THAT UP Minority Affairs Minister Azam Khan “does not represent” either of the two sects, clerics of Shia and Sunni have demanded his ouster from the post.
A convention was organised Saturday at Sibtainabad Imambara by Shia cleric Kalbe Jawwad and addressed by Sunni clerics, among whom included Syed Ashraf Ashrafi of All India Ulema and Mashaikh Board (AIUMB) and several others from Ajmer, Kanpur and other religious shrines.
The convention, in its resolution, raised the demand for Khan’s removal from the ministry, although it did not name him. “We (Shias and Sunnis) constitute 90 per cent of the Muslim population. The other sect constitutes only 10 per cent but enjoys power in government bodies. Our 90 percent strength is not being recognised,” Jawwad said.
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“One person cannot represent the 90 per cent Muslim population. The person is not trustworthy even for the remaining 10 per cent population. Such a person should be immediately removed from the minority welfare and waqf ministry,” Jawwad said.
“There are no terrorists from Shia and Sunni communities; another sect is behind such activities,” Jawwad said.
Maulana Ashraf Ashrafi, Chairman, AIUMB, said Shias and Sunnis have remained united. “All clashes were in fact between Shia and Wahabis. They are responsible for terrorism. We will now stand up to silence them.”
The convention also passed a resolution putting a charter of demands for the Akhilesh Yadav government. It included 18 per cent reservation to Muslims as promised by the SP, CBI inquiry in waqf boards, and representation to Shia and Sunni Muslims in various government bodies.
The convention also demanded that the central government send a delegation to Saudi Arabia to probe the Mina stampede incident. “There is always mismanagement during Haj and it should be handed over to an international Haj committee so that lives of devotees can be protected,” Jawwad said. The convention also sought “strict action” in the Dadri killing.
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