Author: Press Trust of India
Publication: The Financial Express
Date: April 19, 2006
URL: http://www.financialexpress.com/latest_full_story.php?content_id=124248
The Shahi Imam of Delhi's Jama Masjid Syed
Ahmed Shah Bukhari today met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with demands for
an economic package for riot-hit Muslims on the line of one given to victims
of 1984 anti-Sikh riots and reservation of jobs for Muslims in central and
state governments.
In a memorandum submitted to Singh, the community
leaders also demanded immediate release of Muslims detained under Prevention
of Terrorism Act in Gujarat and Maharashtra.
They also sought an immediate halt to alleged
atrocities on Muslims in Assam on the plea of checking foreign nationals,
restoration of the minority status for Aligarh Muslim University, unconditional
talks with 'popular and responsible' leaders of Kashmir and evacuation of
illegal occupants from waqf properties.
Talking to reporters after the meeting with
the Prime Minister, the Imam hinted at launching a political front if the
demands of the community were not met.
"There is growing disenchantment within
the community, which has led to the formation of the United Democratic Front
in Assam," he said.
"We do not want to chart a different
path but would be forced to do so if our demands are not met," Syed Bukhari
said without elaborating.
