New Delhi: Senior leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) addressed a press conference at the JIH Headquarters, highlighting concerns over demolition drives targeting mosques and vulnerable communities, growing menace of corruption, ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, and emerging challenges confronting India’s democratic institutions.
Addressing the media, JIH National Secretary Shafi Madni informed the media that a high-level delegation of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind visited Barmer, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur from 29 June to 2 July to assess the ground situation, meet affected families, interact with local community representatives, legal experts and civil society members, and understand the nature of the administrative action. Shafi Madni, who led the delegation strongly condemned the increasing demolition of mosques, residential settlements and vulnerable localities in different parts of the country. Shafi Madni said, “Recent incidents in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi and other states have highlighted a disturbing pattern in which demolition drives are increasingly affecting mosques, homes and economically weaker communities. Within the past month alone, several mosques were demolished or partially removed during anti-encroachment and infrastructure drives, while in Rajasthan’s border districts of Barmer, Jaisalmer and Bikaner, administrative operations in the name of security have resulted in the demolition of mosques, dargahs and madrasas, creating widespread concern among local residents. Communal Targeting and Demolition of Mosques Is a National Disgrace and must be stopped immediately.” He said, “The delegation found several instances where due legal procedure was not followed, unilateral action had been taken, and even religious structures situated on privately owned land had reportedly been demolished. The delegation also expressed serious concern over the selective and discriminatory targeting of Muslim religious structures, including mosques and dargahs, while places of worship belonging to other communities in the same area, despite facing similar issues, remained untouched. The JIH delegation advised the affected people to continue their legal struggle through constitutional means and assured them of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind’s complete legal and moral support. They were also encouraged to engage constructively with the administration and elected representatives to seek a lawful resolution of the issue. JIH deeply appreciates and salutes members of the Hindu community in Barmer, Bikaner and Jaisalmer who stood in solidarity with their Muslim neighbours and supported the demand that justice be done. Such expressions of communal harmony and mutual support strengthen the social fabric of our country.”
Addressing the media, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Vice President, Prof. Salim Engineer expressed deep concern over the growing instances of corruption and financial irregularities being reported from different parts of the country. Prof. Salim Engineer said, “Recent allegations of corruption against ministers, senior government officials and other influential public figures point towards a deeper crisis of ethics, governance and institutional accountability. Corruption is no longer confined to politics, bureaucracy or business but has now reached institutions that command the faith and reverence of millions of people. Such incidents expose not only serious weaknesses in our systems of accountability, transparency and regulation but also a deeper moral crisis confronting society. At the root of this crisis lies an unhealthy culture of greed, materialism and moral bankruptcy that places personal gain above faith and public service. Jamaat-e-Islami Hind believes that India requires both structural reforms and a moral reawakening. Public life can be purified only when integrity, accountability and fear of God become the guiding principles of both our personal and public lives.
Addressing the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, JIH Vice President Salim Engineer expressed serious concern over the implementation of the exercise in Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Meghalaya. He said, “The right to vote is one of the pillars of India’s democratic framework, and any exercise relating to electoral rolls must be conducted with the highest standards of transparency, fairness and inclusiveness. While maintaining accurate electoral rolls is essential for strengthening democracy, the process must ensure that no eligible citizen is deprived of this constitutional right due to procedural shortcomings or administrative lapses. The SIR exercises conducted so far have resulted in the deletion of a substantial number of voters from electoral rolls in different states. Many genuine voters have been excluded because they were unable to complete documentation requirements within the prescribed timeframe. There is also a growing perception that the exercise may gradually assume the character of a citizenship verification process rather than remain confined to electoral roll revision. JIH and several other community organisations have established SIR awareness and facilitation camps across several states to assist citizens in understanding the process, completing documentation, and cooperating fully with Booth Level Officers (BLOs). Citizens are being encouraged to pursue constitutional and legal remedies wherever required rather than respond with fear or misinformation. JIH urges the Election Commission of India to ensure that the entire exercise is implemented in a transparent, uniform and citizen-friendly manner by providing adequate time, issuing clear guidelines, establishing effective grievance redressal mechanisms and ensuring that no eligible voter is excluded from the electoral rolls.”
Speaking on the growing challenges to Indian democracy, Prof. Salim Engineer said, “Recent political developments in states such as Maharashtra, Jharkhand and West Bengal have renewed concerns regarding defections secured through pressure, attempts to alter legislative majorities through post-election political realignments, political instability, and allegations of intimidation of elected representatives and opposition workers. Such developments create the impression that electoral mandates can be reshaped after elections through means other than the democratic verdict of the people. Equally disturbing are the increasing allegations regarding the selective use of investigative and enforcement agencies against political opponents, particularly during politically sensitive periods. Another disturbing trend is the steady deterioration of public discourse. Reasoned debate is increasingly being replaced by polarisation, misinformation, personal attacks, hate-filled rhetoric, and attempts to delegitimise political opponents, journalists, academics and civil society organisations. Democratic disagreement is essential to a healthy republic, but the normalisation of hostility and intolerance weakens the culture of dialogue and deepens divisions within society. Jamaat-e-Islami Hind calls upon all political parties, constitutional authorities and public institutions to reaffirm their commitment to constitutional morality, democratic values and the rule of law. India’s democracy will remain strong only when justice, accountability, institutional neutrality, pluralism and constitutional values guide both governance and political conduct.”
Issued by:
Salman Ahmad
National Secretary, Media Dept.
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, HQRS
