Hundreds of Muslims in Uttarakhand gathered in Haridwar on Saturday to protest with striking opposition against the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) outside the Collectorate Office.
The protest was organised by Muslim Seva Sanghatan, with hundreds of demonstrators rejecting the implementation of UCC from January 27. The protesters held placards and raised slogans demanding the withdrawal of the law.
Mohammad Rizwan who is a member of Muslim Seva Sanghatan, said as he addressed the said, “We are not against the law of the land, but the UCC is a direct violation of our religious rights and personal laws.”
“We will not rest until they hear our voices. The government needs to understand that this law works against the interests of our community,” Rizwan declared firmly.
While the Uttarakhand Chief Minister has stated that UCC is an attempt to create a just and united society, Muslim Seva Sanghatan and several other Muslim organisations have called for nationwide mobilisation against UCC.
Former state minister Naeem Akhtar who also joined the protest, said, “We have always respected our constitution. However, any law that is against our right to practice religion should be reconsidered.”
“Sadak se sansad tak virodh karenge, ( We will take these protests from these roads to parliament) Ham sirf khuda se darte hain. Aise to bohut kanoon laye gaye, KIsaanon k virudh kanoon laya gaya lekin unhone virodh karke hukumat ko majboor kiya ki aisa kala kanoon wapas le” proclaimed Naeem.
In Uttarakhand, Muslim Seva Sanghatan has been actively campaigning against the implementation of UCC.
Critics of UCC argue that this law is discriminatory on the grounds of religious freedom. They allege that this is a part of BJP’s strategic planning to further their polarization attempts.
The protesters then gathered around the District Magistrate Office to submit a memorandum. Upon learning that the DM was not present, the memorandum was then submitted to Tehsildar Priyanka Rani who accepted it.
Meanwhile, the security was tightened following the protest.
