Mahmood Madani, president of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, on Thursday said that a growing sense of insecurity exists among many Muslims in India, with people feeling “cornered, unsafe, and humiliated.”
Speaking to IANS, Madani said this feeling is not due to any one incident but arises from what he described as a pattern of developments and a perceived bias in governance and law enforcement.
“In a country as large as India, isolated incidents can happen, but the concern grows when the response of authorities appears inconsistent,” he said. “Those whose duty is to stop injustice and ensure justice seem to have turned a blind eye.”
“Not One Incident but a Larger Pattern”
Madani said the unease among Muslims is linked to how certain institutions function. He suggested that the approach of sections of the administration, police, and governments contributes to the growing discomfort.
He also spoke about perceptions at the global level, saying that the belief that Muslims are being targeted is increasing. However, he did not refer to specific incidents and instead described it as a broader trend.
Remarks on Assam Deportation Issue
On the issue of alleged illegal immigrants in Assam, Madani said the matter should not be seen through a religious lens.
“They even call us Bangladeshis,” he said. “Our view is that any person, regardless of religion, who is a foreign national without valid documents should not be allowed to stay in India.”
He referred to the National Register of Citizens process already conducted in the state and added, “The Chief Minister there even talks about sending me to Bangladesh.”
Electoral Roll Revision Draws Wider Concern
Speaking about the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, Madani said dissatisfaction is not limited to Muslims alone.
“There are many complaints regarding this, and dissatisfaction is present among other communities as well,” he said, indicating that the issue has broader implications.
Stand on Uniform Civil Code and Religious Practices
On the proposed Uniform Civil Code Bill in Gujarat, Madani said the organisation will take a position only after reviewing it in detail.
“Senior members of our organisation are currently studying the bill. After that, we will issue our response,” he said.
He also addressed restrictions on offering Eid prayers on roads, especially in Uttar Pradesh, stressing the need for equal application of rules.
“If the government has decided that no religious activity should take place on roads, then this rule should be applied equally to everyone. It should not be one-sided,” he said.
Comments on Asaduddin Owaisi
Madani also commented on Asaduddin Owaisi, calling him a capable leader.
“Owaisi is an able individual and actively participates in politics. In his own way, he is doing his job well,” he said.
Madani’s remarks come amid ongoing debates around minority rights, governance, and the role of institutions, highlighting concerns within sections of the Muslim community about equality and fairness.
