Hyderabad: The Muslims here on Sunday demanded Central Government to roll back Uniform Civil Code (UCC) proposal else threatened to undertake Million March like protest in India. Also, Telangana Government was urged to make clear it’s stand over the issue.
A Round Table Meet against Uniform Civil Code (UCC) headed by Tehreek Muslim Shabban, was organised on Sunday, bringing together social and political activists who called for Muslim unity in opposition to the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
The meeting was attended by Muslim intellectuals, Scholars and different school of thoughts and representing various organizations. They appealed to political leaders, social activists, and individuals to come forward to oppose the UCC.
The participants emphasized the significance of expressing solidarity and raising public awareness about the adverse effects of the proposed UCC. They recognized that while the government might face challenges in implementing the UCC, the mere discussions surrounding its implementation have already disrupted the secular harmony of the country.
During the event, Mushtaq Malik, President of Tehreek Muslim Shabban, expressed concerns that the government is attempting to portray Muslims as wrongdoers and called upon every Muslim to safeguard their personal laws. He rallied the attendees with the clarion call “Jaan se Badh Kar Shariat” (Shariah above life), urging for an intensive movement against the implementation of the UCC. Additionally, he announced the formation of a delegation comprising political representatives and social activists who will visit Delhi to meet with floor leaders from different parties and submit an abstract outlining concerns related to the UCC.
Malik strongly criticized the UCC, highlighting that it does not serve the best interests of the country or any community, except certain vested interests. He denounced the government’s disregard for the rights guaranteed by the Indian constitution, citing anti-Muslim laws like the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the proposed UCC. He questioned the authority of a state’s Chief Minister to draft the Uniform Civil Code and the Prime Minister’s acceptance of it, deeming it an insult to the Indian constitution
“The Central Government should roll back its decision or proposal to bring the UCC, in case of bringing it in the House we will take to the streets like Million March. We have planned to undertake certain programmes including ‘Oath Day’ awareness drive and door to door campaign against UCC in the country,” said, Mushtaq Malik while discussing the plans with attendees in the Round Table Meet.
Some activists at the event labeled the UCC as a manifestation of organized Islamophobia in India, alleging its alignment with Israel’s policies through the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, influenced by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Mufti Abdul Fattah Sabeeli urged Muslims to engage with representatives from diverse religions, sects, and castes, and confront political leaders to articulate their concerns regarding the potential harm the UCC could inflict upon the fabric of the Muslim community. He emphasized the necessity of substantive actions beyond mere discussions and meetings.
Prof. Anwar Khan highlighted that the latest report from the Law Commission states that India does not require a Uniform Civil Code. However, he noted that the same commission has now sought public opinion on the implementation of the UCC, prompting him to request clarity on the Telangana government’s stance regarding the issue.
Maulana Taqui Raza Abedi, a Shia community leader, emphasized the importance of collective efforts among different sects to achieve common goals and advised Muslims not to speak against any other community.
Mufti Tajammul Qasmi cautioned against violating divine laws, emphasizing that such actions could lead to catastrophic consequences, disrupting the balance on earth. He drew attention to the fact that even during British rule, Qazis (Islamic judges) were consulted for religious matters, whereas the government’s plans for the UCC surpass the actions of the British.
Social activist Mujahed proposed the establishment of Shariah boards at the district level to create awareness among the Muslim community and provide assistance with legal matters.
Amjed Ullah Khan, President of the MBT (Majlis Bachao Tehreek) party, announced that the party would submit representations to the heads of different political parties, seeking their stance against the implementation of the UCC.
Shameem Fatima, President of the Muslim Women’s Association and United Muslim Tahaffuz Committee, stressed the urgent need for awareness campaigns to educate Muslims about the Muslim Personal Law, emphasizing its constructive role in countering the UCC.
The round table meet witnessed the participation of numerous organizations, including Jamiatul Ulema, Jamaat-e-Islami, Wahdat-e-Islami, Muslim Forum League, and Jamiat Ahle Hadees Telangana, among others. Prominent figures such as Shia scholar Taqui Raza Abedi, Dr. Asif Umri, President of Jamiat Ahle Hadees Telangana, a Congress leader, and activist Mujahed Hashmi were also present at the event.