Forgive and forget the riots, Bandukwala tells Muslims

Noted human rights activist and retired professor of physics from M S University Juzar S Bandukwala wants...

Noted human rights activist and retired professor of physics from M S University Juzar S Bandukwala wants his community to forgive the people involved in the 2002 post-Godhra riots and mobilise their resources for educational and economic advancement of the community.

“I have already condoned those responsible for the attack on me and my family members. But now I want the Muslim community to forgive those involved in the riots. I appeal to my Muslim brethren to forgive those responsible for the heinous crimes including those in various stages of trial,” he said, adding that by and large Hindus believed in a peaceful co-existence.

However, he pointed out that this should not be construed as an “action emanating out of fear of any particular party or leader”. “I am making such an appeal because this will please Allah immensely and it will be in sync with what the Prophet did after his victory at Mecca,” he said, adding that the Prophet pardoned all his opponents who had done everything possible to hurt him. He said the gesture of forgiveness would be in the highest traditions of Islam.

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Bandukwala, who was conferred the Indira Gandhi National Integration Award by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi on Wednesday, made these comments in an exclusive interview given to The Indian Express on Friday.

Speaking about the forthcoming Assembly elections in Gujarat, he said he was pained to see Muslim leaders falling over each other trying to align themselves with one party or the other. He said he would like Muslims here not to contest elections for at least the next 10 years and devote themselves to constructive activities.

He felt that if the community leaders adopted this line, plenty of Hindu philanthropists and well wishers would come forward to assist the community to improve their educational and economic status .

Regarding the choice of candidates, he said that Muslims should vote for those who can assure them safety of life and property and promise to treat Muslims in a fair and just manner. He said instead of spending their time trying to send a few representatives of the community to the legislative assembly, he wanted politicians to use their resources and manpower in building educational and economic infrastructure that would help the community members stand on their feet with the next one decade.

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Himself a victim of 2002 riots, Bandukwala has consistently worked for unity of the civil society through various organisations he is connected with.