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Journalism of Courage
Perhaps, the suffering over the last two months has done to Muslims what their clergy and political leaders have been unable to do so far.
For the first time in Ahmedabad, several Muslim organisations, which never saw eye to eye, are coming together under one roof in a bid to ‘‘unite and make efforts to improve the social and educational status of Muslims.’’ And explore the issues of leadership and national integration.
These groups will gather at a conference on ‘Peace, unity and awakening campaign’ to be held on June 9 at Juhapura by the Juhapura Citizens’ Committee.
As The Sunday Express reported last week, Juhapura, a Muslim-dominated neighbourhood that was relatively untouched by the riots, is now turning out to be the Muslims’ safe haven in this divided city.
Orthodox organisations like Tabliq Jamaat and Jamaat-e-Islami, Sunni organisations like Peshimam Jama Masjid and Ishna Asri Jamat, Shia organisations like Dawoodi Vora Jamat and Khoja Ismaili Jamat — all will share the platform for the first time.
Even the Ehle Hadis, a Muslim sect, which rarely mixes with Shias and Sunnis, has also confirmed its participation besides 16 others.
The conference will feature a special session on ‘‘guidance on legal matters and law’’—apparently meant for the riot-affected victims to help them fight cases or claim compensation.
Former Union Communications Secretary, R K Saiyad who is also participating says: ‘‘Muslims of Juhapura have considered it fit to invite Muslims of all areas for a concerted effort for peace. It is a well-meaning effort where we chalk out a plan for proper national integration. The focus will also be on rehabilitation.’’
The conference will be inaugurated by S M F Bukhari, chief relief coordinator. Ahmedabad MLAs Usamangani Devdiwala (Independent) and Farooq Sheikh (Congress); chairman of Ahmedabad Municipal standing committee Baduruddin Sheikh, former Municipal Councillor Khursheed Saiyed, former head of department of Persian at Gujarat University Juber Qureshi, Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee member J V Momin and retired Deputy Superintendent of Police Rehman Munshi will be present.
The delegates include a dozen lawyers, insurance surveyors, engineers and architects, builders and businessmen.
Also, the purpose of the conference appears to create a common identity for Muslims and reorganise themselves so that they do not have to suffer again like they did in the two months of riots.
A statement issued by the Juhapura Citizen’s Committee said: ‘‘The man-made disaster in Gujarat, the loss of life and property have thrown up an extraordinary situation. A lot of questions arise out of this besides the rehabilitation of riot-victims. We must solve our problems ourselves. We must strive for the safety of Muslims, create able leadership, education, financial progress, health and brotherhood.’’
An invitation issued to select people reads: ‘‘This is the time for all Muslims to unite. It does not matter who is saying this but what they are saying. Who and what are you, have you ever wondered? You are the pride of Islam. You must acknowledge Allah then only will he acknowledge you. First, you must understand your religion. Islam expects sacrifice and duty from you. Try to develop confidence, will power and courage. Personal identity of Muslims should be so pure that generations to come will remember us.’’
‘‘Special emphasis will be laid on creating the proper leadership for Muslims because it is the need of the hour. The lack of this has been felt in the last few months. It seemed as if we have been left with no one to take up our cause,’’ a member of the committee said.
