By M Reyaz, TwoCircles.net,
New Delhi: South Asian Minorities Lawyer Association (SAMLA) organised a discussion on the relations between political parties and governments with the minorities at its head office in the national capital on Thursday evening.
Dr. Syed Zafar Mahmood, president of Zakat Foundation of India, was the main speaker. His an hour long presentation was followed by an interactive session, where several other prominent lawyers, besides community activists and journalists were present.
Dr. Zafar Mahmood began with his famous presentataion that he had given at Ahmedabad, in presence of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi in June, and went on to present the “UPA's last window of opportunity,” where he spoke about 20 point agendas that he believes the present UPA government must fulfill in next six months for the Muslim community.
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JH Jafri, Dr Zafar Mahmood, Advocate Feroz Ghazi and other lawyers at SAMLA headquarter.
He also said that it was very easy for him to refuse the invitation of attending the programme in Ahemdabad as he knew very well why he was being invited, but he took it as a challenge and prepared to speak in presence of the Gujarat CM to “expose them”.
While introducing the main speaker, Advocate Feroz Khan Ghazi, secretary general of SAMLA, lamented that there are only two national parties and both are using the technique of scaring the community for their political agendas. He stressed that the situation is such that often the Muslim voters are left with little choice, and that is the main reason that most other pressing needs of the community are never actually fulfilled.
Ghazi added, “We need to evolve a group of Muslims who could objectively analyse and decide for themselves rather than simply voting out of fear.”
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Dr Zafar Mahmood speaking speaking, as the audience was listening attentively.
Both the presentations of Dr Mahmood were older, but he repeated them in presence of august group of lawyers in an attempt to encourage them to participate in larger goods of the community. The 20 point programmes expected from the current UPA government included, fast track court for Muslims languishing in jail for years on charges of terrorism, compensation for Muslim youths acquitted by court, special allocation in budget for Muslims, implementing recommendations of Sachar Committee and Rangnatha Misra committee, passage of Wakf bills, establishment of equal opportunity commission, etc.
The presentation was followed with an interactive session, where participants engaged in lively discussions, as they shared their respective experiences and hurdles they face. The situation of Muslims in Delhi, Bihar and UP figured prominently during the discussion. A young advocate from Srinagar, Dar Rashid wondered on the lack of empathy from Muslims of the rest of India on human rights violations in Kashmir.
There were also discussions on how right to information (RTI) could be used more effectively.
Prominent advocates present in the discussion included J H Jafri (President of SAMLA), Feroz Khan Ghazi (Secratry Genaeral), Shakeel Ahmad, Syed Amir Ahmad, GM Farooque, Athar Alam, Rubina Javed, Mohd. Wasiq Khan, Farrukh Khan, Sheeba Khan, Changhez Khan, etc.
The discussion continued over mouthful iftar and dinner, that followed.
Related:
My Ahmedabad presentation - Genesis and impact
I knew why I was called, but wanted to challenge Modi and BJP: Zafar Mahmood