Maulana Lukman Tarapuri says Gujrat CM was complicit in the 2002 pogorm.
By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter,
New Delhi: Maulana Lukman Tarapuri, Pesh Imam of the Jama Masjid in Anand in Gujarat, who was recently on a tour to the United States for the Global Gujarati Conference, has denied that his tour was meant to ‘bat’ for the Gujarat CM Narendra Modi , as certain section in the media had suggested.
In the news report Tarapuri was quoted as comparing the conditions of Muslims in Gujarat with that of the Congress ruled Assam.
In a written clarification statement Tarapuri said, “The interview has been reported in a manner that projects my views in a manner quite different from my intent,” adding that he is a religious leader and his trip to the US to address the Global Gujarati Conference was “for the sole purpose of spreading the message of peace.”
He sought to clarify the statement over comparison between Assam and Gujarat, saying, “While I am cognizant of the dismal condition of many Muslims in several parts of India, the reference to Assam was in no way intended to trivialize the enormity of the human rights violations committed during the Gujarat pogrom of 2002.”
He further added, “The murder of over 2,000 people and the sexual violence inflicted on hundreds of women are wounds that can begin to heal only when all the culprits are brought to justice. Unfortunately, most victims of the Gujarat pogrom have been denied justice.”
Maulana Tarapuri also accused the Gujarat CM of being “complicit” in the 2002 riots and the subsequent fake encounters, saying, “There is ample evidence gathered by independent human rights organizations that shows the state government under Mr. Modi was complicit in these crimes against humanity, and should be held accountable for them. The recent letter by DG Vanzara shows that the state government was also complicit in the fake encounter killing of several innocent people.”
Highlighting the discrimination against the Gujarati Muslims in the state, he said, “Moreover, while sections of the Gujarati Muslim community may be doing well economically, before and after the tragic events of 2002, the unfortunate reality is that discrimination along communal lines is rampant, worsening the society's polarization.”
Urging the people of the state to united, he said, “For the different communities in Gujarat to be united, we must work towards a society that is compassionate, just and above all, adheres to the rule of law. I have worked for peace all my life, and will continue to do so in the future.”