– Dr. Mohammad Manzoor Alam –
Subramanian Swamy takes the prize for being the most irresponsible political leader hands down. However, his latest provocation is a little too brazen and malignant even from his own standards.
This unsavroury character attacked Muslims in Guwahati late last week by declaring, “a mosque is not a religious place but is merely a building that can be demolished any time”. God lives in a temple, not in a mosque, he explained.
Assamese Muslims and Muslims all over India worry that it could be a prelude to future Mosque demolition programme of the Sangh on the model of Babri Masjid demolition. Others feel this provocation could be an attempt to polarise Assam on religious lines in preparation for state elections in the not so distant future.
Swami claimed that he got the information from “people of Saudi Arabia” and he was prepared for a debate if anyone disagreed with him. His communal posturing led to a rash of protests all over the state and demands of a ban on his entry into Assam.
Police registered an FIR against him under IPC sections 120 (B) [criminal conspiracy] and 153 (A) [promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion] on a complaint by Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS).
The intensity of widespread protests was unusual. Annoyed by Swamy’s mischief Chief Minister Tarun Gagoi said, “BJP will have to pay a heavy price for hurting Assamese sentiments”.
Startled by strong condemnation from different quarters, Assam BJP tried to distance itself from Swamy. The state president of the party, Siddhartha Bhattacharya said it was Swamy’s personal opinion and did not reflect the party’s position.
Experts at speaking with a forked tongue, BJP leaders did not think twice before inviting Swamy to the important Central Executive Committee meeting early next month. Swamy is not a member of the Executive Committee. He is an invitee, which shows how serious is the party about distancing itself from this man.
In a nutshell, we have not seen the last of Sangh provocation and should be prepared for more in days ahead
___________________________
Dr. Mohammad Manzoor Alam
Dr. Mohammad Manzoor Alam is an erudite Islamic Economist and Social Scientist. He has been associated with Institute of Objective Studies (IOS) as its Chairman for over 25 years now. Dr. Manzoor Alam, a Ph.D. in Economics from Aligarh Muslim University, has held various high-ranking positions in many international organizations such as Economic Advisor in the Ministry of Finance and National Economy, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Associate Professor Deptt. of Islamic Economics, University of Imam Mohammad-bin-Saud, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Chief Coordinator for the Translation of Meaning of the Holy Quran in different languages of the world at King Fahd Holy Quran Printing Complex, Madinah Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia; Chief Representative of International Islamic University, Malaysia (IIUM) in India; Member of the General Committee of the IDB Scholarship Program for Muslim Communities in Non-Member Countries, Islamic Development Bank, Jeddah, K.S.A.; Consultant of the International Institute of Islamic Thought, USA in India; Founder Member of International Islamic Charitable Organisation, Kuwait; and Member, Steering Committee, Istanbul Talks, Civil Solidarity Platform, Istanbul, Turkey.
Dr. Manzoor Alam holds membership on the board of many international journals as well. He is Member of the Advisory Board of MEDAD, published from the KSA; Member of the International Advisory Board of American Journal of Islamic Social Sciences, published from the USA; and Member of the Advisory Board of Awqaf, published from Kuwait.
In India, apart from being Chairman of Institute of Objective Studies (IOS), Dr. Manzoor Alam is ably guiding the Indian Muslim community with his vast experience by serving in different capacities such as General Secretary, All India Milli Council, New Delhi; President, Indo-Arab Economic Cooperation Forum, New Delhi; President, Indian Association of Muslim Social Scientists, New Delhi; and Member of All India Muslim Personal Law Board.
Under his stewardship, Dr. Manzoor Alam has successfully transformed the Institute of Objective Studies to being India’s foremost, pioneering and only organization in the country engaged in generating knowledge in Islamic Perspective, Educational development of Indian Muslims, Research, holding Conferences, seminars and workshops on vital issues, Publications and Advocacy for Muslims and other weaker sections’ causes.
Address for Communication
Institute of Objective Studies 162, Jogabai Main Road ,P.O. Box 9725, Jamia Nagar , New Delhi-110025 (India)
Mobile – +91- 9810157494 – email: manzoor@ndf.vsnl.net.in
*Disclaimer : The views expressed by the author in this feature are entirely his own and do not necessarily reflect the views of INVC .
