Author: Kavita Bajeli-Datt
Publication: India Abroad News
Service
Date: February 2, 2001
A prominent Muslim cleric has hit
out at the Vajpayee government, saying its "oppression of poor and minorities"
were causing calamities in India.
"The country will continue to suffer
from miseries if the government does not curb oppression and take stringent
action against oppressors. The voice of the victims of cruelty and injustice
will not go in vain," said Mufti Mohammed Mukarram Ahmed, the Shahi Imam
(high priest) of the Fatehpuri mosque, the second largest mosque in the
capital.
"The disaster by tragedies, natural
calamities, like earthquakes, cyclones, floods, droughts are result of
oppression of poor and minorities," Ahmed said in a written statement,
referring to the recent earthquake in Gujarat that is feared to have killed
over 25,000 people and injured over 55,000.
"The government should run its machinery
in the true spirit of secularism and to be just, fair and honest," said
Ahmed, adding, "Nothing remains forever, the calamity has shown, so we
should not forget the ones who need us at this time."
Ahmed's statement comes in the wake
of a similar statement made in Bangalore by a Karnataka government minister
who lost his post after calling the killer quake divine punishment for
alleged atrocities against Christians by Hindu fundamentalists in Gujarat.
Ahmed also called for the immediate
removal of the Gujarat government for negligence of duty and delay in relief
operations.
Accusations apart, Muslim clerics
around the country are joining hands to appeal for help for the quake victims.
The high priest of Delhi's famous Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in the
country, has called for generous donations to the help the victims.
In a sermon delivered Friday, attended
by more than 10,000 people, Syed Ahmed Shah Bukhari, high priest of Jama
Masjid, expressed deep concern over the massive destruction.
"Cries, sobs and tears are a common
sight in Gujarat now. Many are homeless and have lost their families. Children
have become orphans, while parents are searching for their children in
the debris. At this time we should all come out and donate generously for
this cause," said Bukhari.
Later he offered a special prayer
-- Ghaibana Namaz-e-Janaza -- (prayer in absentia for dead ones), and again
appealed for help in relief supplies.
Ahmed in his message also appealed
to people to donate generously without distinction of caste, creed and
religion. Following their appeals, three white boxes with messages painted
in black appeal to Muslims to donate liberally for the quake victims have
been placed beside the majestic gates of the 17th century Jama Masjid.
Beside them were sealed jute bags
filled with food grains, blankets and clothes waiting to be sent to the
devastated state. Throughout the day people of all ages flock to the boxes
and bags, first out of curiosity and then wiping tears in memory of those
killed by the quake that measured 6.9 on the Richter scale. And they all
donated generously.
"The relief material would be sent
to Gujarat after sometime as we have still to collect more from people
who want to donate," said Amanullah, a relief organizer.
