Hyderabad (December 19, 2024- Patriotic Views): A one-day meeting of district presidents, executive members, and special invitees of Jamiat Ulama-i-Telangana was held under the chairmanship of Hazrat Maulana Hafiz Peer Shabbir Ahmed at the state office, Zam Zam Masjid, Bagh Amberpet, Hyderabad. The meeting commenced with a recitation of the Holy Quran by Qari Muhammad Younus Ali Khan, followed by a naat presented by Maulana Ansar Shakir.

In his address, General Secretary Hafiz Peer Khaleeq Ahmed Sabir highlighted the objectives of the gathering, emphasizing the rise of communal hatred and provocative rhetoric in the state and across India. He expressed concern over divisive activities allegedly being promoted by members of the ruling party, despite warnings from civil society groups. He stated that such actions undermine the secular values established by leaders like Gandhi and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.

The Jamiat made the following key demands to the Telangana government:

1. Legislation Against Hate Speech and Crimes:
   The Jamiat called for a state-level bill to combat hate speech and crimes, as per the Supreme Court’s directive in the Tehseen Poonawalla case. The proposed legislation would ensure a conducive environment for all communities and penalize any individual who insults religious leaders or communities.
2. Protection of Religious Sites:
   Emphasizing the importance of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, the Jamiat urged the government to pass a resolution in the Assembly to uphold the sanctity of religious sites, including mosques, temples, churches, and gurdwaras.
3. Proportional Representation for Minorities:
   Highlighting the lack of political and social representation for minorities since independence, the Jamiat demanded that minority communities be granted political representation proportional to their population. The Jamiat also called for fair access to government schemes.
4. Protection of Waqf Properties:
   Expressing disappointment over past failures to safeguard waqf properties, the Jamiat reminded the government of its manifesto promise to protect these properties. They urged the government to take concrete steps in this regard.

The meeting also announced plans to hold a public gathering in Hyderabad on April 26, 2025. The event will feature prominent scholars, including Hazrat Maulana Syed Mahmood Asad Madani, President of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind. Preparatory district-level programs will be held in January and February 2025, and a 20-member committee has been formed to oversee the arrangements.

Key discussions during the meeting included:

Challenges faced by Islamic seminaries and strategies to address them, presented by Maulana Abdullah Azhar.

The role of the Jamiat in justice and empowerment of minorities, explained by Maulana Ansar Shakir.

Initiatives for societal reform, member enrollment, and youth engagement, presented by Hafiz Peer Khaleeq Ahmed Sabir.

The meeting was attended by over 120 representatives from various districts, including prominent figures like Maulana Abdul Sattar (Treasurer, Jamiat Ulama-i-Telangana), Maulana Abdul Azeem (President, Jamiat Ulama-Warangal), and Maulana Zubair Siddiqui (General Secretary, Jamiat Ulama-Hyderabad).

The session concluded with a dua led by Mufti Muhammad Ilyas Ahmed Hamed Qasmi, General Secretary of Jamiat Ulama-Nirmal.