Abu Azmi with a Muslim delegation at the Maharashtra Governor’s office on Monday | File Image
Members of the Muslim community, led by Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Asim Azmi, submitted a Memorandum to Maharashtra Governor C P Radhakrishnan, alleging that traders and hawkers from the community are being harassed in areas like Dadar after the Pahalgam attack.
The letter said that Muslims have taken a leading role in condemning the terror attack on tourists in Kashmir. This attack is an assault on the country’s unity and integrity.
The people of Maharashtra, known for their progressive values inspired by leaders like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Phule, Shahu, and Ambedkar, have strongly denounced this attack, the letter further said. The letter added that Muslims across the country and state are standing united against such extremist actions.
Despite this, the Muslim community in Mumbai and Maharashtra is being deliberately targeted, with their businesses and livelihoods suffering. A climate of hatred and animosity is being fostered against Muslims, the letter said.Azmi accused Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane and his associates of spreading hatred against Muslims, leading to incidents of violence against Muslims in areas like Dadar, Mumbai, and elsewhere. He demanded the removal of Minister Nitesh Rane, who, despite taking an oath to uphold the Constitution, is working to divide the nation, from his ministerial post, and strict action against him and his associates.
A memorandum addressing these demands for creating a free and fearless environment in the state was handed over today by a Samajwadi Party delegation to the Honorable Governor’s secretary.Azmi said that these actions are being carried out by fundamentalist and communal forces that seek to divide society. Their activities have created a climate of fear among Muslims in the state, he said
In this context, we request that, as the constitutional head of the state, you direct the state government to take appropriate measures to restore a free and fearless environment in the state, the letter added.
On Tuesday, the Samajwadi Party is holding a protest rally at Azad Maidan to protest against the Pahalgam terror attack.
