Ummeed for Muslim upliftment born

MUMBAI, MAY 24: A ray of hope for a non-political, non-religious platform for the upliftment of Muslims was born today, with the formatio...

MUMBAI, MAY 24: A ray of hope for a non-political, non-religious platform for the upliftment of Muslims was born today, with the formation of Ummeed8217;. Prominent Muslims citizens of Mumbai, including actor Dilip Kumar and Urdu litterateur Hasan Kamal have formed a common Muslim front for the upliftment of the economic and educational status of Muslims in Maharashtra. The organisation also hopes to act as a bargaining chip for the community in the coming assembly elections.

The organisation was formed during a two-day session held at the Haj House at Crawford Market, which was attended by over 70-odd odd educationists and activists from over 28 districts of the state. 8220;Ummeed has been formed to mobilise and unite the community on a non-political basis for bargaining with political parties who will be seeking the community8217;s support in the future elections,8221; a speaker said.

Builder and a core group member, Babu Qureishi, said, 8220;The Muslim community is ridden with factionalism and sectarianism. Ourefforts are directed at uniting them and making them realise their decisive power in making or breaking a government.8221; Added Aslam Khan, 8220;Today, when governments fall just by one vote which is barely .01 per cent, then 12 per cent, which is the Muslim population, is a huge chunk. Why is this community still neglected and not making any progress?8221;

Ummeed has also released a charter of 17 demands, which include the expeditious release of TADA detenues, handing over Haj House to a Muslim trust, clearance of applications for establishment of Muslims institutions, appointment of more Muslim judges, increase in recruitment of Muslim officers and constables, and entrusting responsibility in the case of communal riots with the Chief Minister and not just police officers. The organisers said they would vote for only that party who will not only accepted their demands but will also include them in its manifesto.