After fiasco,Mumbai police get ‘schooled’ in Islam

The day-long closed-door session at Sindhi Gymkhana was conducted by former IB officer B M Khanapure,who also trains the Special Branch and ATS. The first session saw 72 personnel from 10 police stations across Zone VI of the Eastern Region. DCP Lakhmi Gautam (Zone VI) said this was the first such initiative to sensitise field officers.

“Some of us are not adequately informed on the subject of Islam. There is so much to know and understand on the points of differences between various sects. Sometimes this leads to conflict,” said Gautam. “The lecture was designed to help understand the undercurrents and identify tell tale signs. This helps in identifying what can lead to law-and-order situation and be better equipped.”

The zone though avoided involving a preacher in the first lecture as they could come with “coloured perceptions” which might give a biased view. “Besides,we wanted someone who has worked in conflict areas. The IB officer has worked in conflict areas in J&K and Kerala,” he added.

The lecture dealt in issues in the communities and differences between various sects. It also gave special emphasis on cultural nuances. “Many a time,small triggers have just been about not being aware of the customs,which can inadvertently hurt the community’s sentiments,” said Gautam.

A majority of residents in the eastern suburbs,especially in zone VI,is Muslim. “This helps officers to know the community and read their issues better,” said Quaiser Khalid,Additional Commissioner of Police.

The lecture saw the participation of constables,select field and senior officers. The topics most discussed were regarding Deobandis and Barelvi sects and the Wahhabi movement. Specific questions raised included rituals surrounding Kaaba and issues regarding Haj subsidy.

Cops open to Jamaat taking classes

Days after issuing a circular asking its officers to keep a watch on the activities of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind,Mumbai Police has accepted the organisation’s proposal to take orientation classes about Islam for the police force.

“When we met Mumbai Police on Monday,they apologised for the circular being leaked. We offered to hold orientation classes for policemen so that they can understand the principles of Islam,” Taufiq Aslam Khan,president,Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (Maharashtra Zone) said. He said Additional Commissioner,Special Branch,Naval Bajaj accepted the proposal.

Bajaj said the police was open to Jamaat taking classes for its officers.

The Jamaat-e-Islami was founded by noted but controversial theologian Abul Ala Maududi in 1941 who was born in Aurangabad but played a defining role in the history of Pakistan. An organisation has a strong cadre base and its state unit presently operates from a dingy 700-sq ft office in Madanpura.

The Jamaat was angered after a leaked internal circular of the Special Branch stated that its sister organisation,Girls Islamic Organisation,needs to be monitored as it was working towards radicalising Muslim youth.

Khan said GIO was working towards creating a strong moral fibre among young girls. It has more than 450 full-time members who are under 25. An additional 2,500 are associate members. The organisation,which has a substantial following in Marathwada,is trying to find a footing in Mumbai and nearby areas.