Response against communalism below par: Jamaat-e-Islami Hind

An Islamic forum today expressed grave concern over the "rise" of communal and fascist forces in India and attempts by "opportunist elements" to rupture the social fabric of the country.

Jamaat-e-Islami Hind termed the voices of condemnation against these forces and "rising communalism" as "below par", which it said was dangerous for the country's development and prosperity.

The organisation today announced a nationwide campaign, commencing on 21 August, to convey the message of peace and humanity.

"It is a matter of grave concern that some extremist ideologies propounded by communal and fascist forces are quickly gaining ground in society. Some opportunist elements are trying hard to disrupt our age old social fabric for their own petty political, financial and cultural gains," said Maulana Syed Jalaluddin Umri, President of the organisation.

"Several low volume, high intensity incidents of communal violence have been planned and triggered in the recent months. The level of opposition and condemnation expected against this rising communalism was sadly below par which only emboldened the hatemongers," he added.

The campaign is aimed at narrowing the widening social rift and to create an environment of mutual trust and cooperation, he said. "Communal polarisation is very dangerous for a country like India and is a serious impediment in the path to development and prosperity, besides drawing international rebuke and a serious dent to the image of a developed and democratic India", he stated.

"Irrespective of political or ideological inclination, we need to unite together to work against communalism on a broad social level. "This campaign emphasis on people to people contact that would open the channels of inter-community communication, pave the way for removing of misconceptions and misunderstanding about each other and bring them on a common platform," Maulana said.

The 15-day campaign will felicitate those who have contributed towards communal harmony in India. Public speeches and rallies would be organised in all major cities and towns, he added.

-PTI