Raising concerns over the Central government’s “ostrich-like approach” to growing incidents of hate speech and Islamophobia, the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind has sought action against the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) leaders and sections of the media. The oldest Muslim body in the country began its three-day conclave on Friday with a resolution calling for immediate steps to put an end to the menace.
The general assembly—in which about 10,000 delegates are participating from across the country—drew attention to the campaign to tarnish the reputation of madrasas, the Assam government’s controversial campaign to put an end to child marriages, and other instances of hatred and incitement against the Muslim community, claiming that they have “increased to an alarming level in our country”. The Jamiat’s strong condemnation of hate speech comes on the heels of a meeting with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh leaders last month, where Muslim leaders—including representatives of the Jamiat—had raised concerns about hate speech and Islamophobia in the country.
The Jamiat spokesman reminded the media of Supreme Court judge Justice Joseph’s comment that “media people have to understand that they are holding strong positions”.
This story was originally published in thehindu.com . Read the full story here