All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen chief Asaduddin Owaisi has alleged that the government is trying to convert India into “Hindu rashtra” (nation) with its attempt to impose a Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
The MP from Hyderabad said by interfering in the Muslim Personal Law, the government was trying to show that Muslims were second class citizens.
Stating that pluralism and diversity were the strengths and beauty of India, he said any attempt to destroy secularism would weaken the country.
Owaisi was addressing a public meeting organised by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) to oppose UCC.
Leaders of all sects of Muslims and various schools of Islamic thought addressed the meeting attended by thousands of people including women.
The speakers made it clear that Muslims would never tolerate any attempt to interfere in the Muslim Personal Law.
Owaisi ridiculed an affidavit filed by the central government in the Supreme Court and said by comparing Indian Muslims with the Muslims of Pakistan and other countries, the government had insulted not just the community but the entire country.
The MP dared the government to scrap the special status enjoyed by states like Mizoram and Nagaland and abolish the marriage laws of Goa.
He wanted to know if the government, by bringing the UCC, would extend tax rebate enjoyed by Hindu undivided families to Muslims.
AIMPLB secretary Moulana Khalid Saifullah Rehmani said Muslim Personal Law is a matter of life and death for Muslims.
He said Muslims will shed their last drop of blood, offer their heads and make any sacrifice but will never bow to any law which stops them from obeying the orders of Allah and Prophet Muhammad.
A large number of women also attended the meeting, which was also addressed by five women members of the board.
Rehmani clarified that the board boycotted the questionnaire of the Law Commission as it was framed in a manner to give an impression that UCC is a constitutional process. He, however, said they were not boycotting the Law Commission and that is why the board has taken up a signature campaign.
He said Muslim Personal Law was protected by Article 25 of the constitution, which has given citizens the right to practice and preach their religion.
Condemning attempts to defame Muslims, he said all surveys show that Muslims have the least rate of divorce and polygamy compared to other communities in the country.
Muslims attend a rally against a proposed Uniform Civil Code and to demand a reservation quota in colleges and in government jobs, in Mumbai yesterday.
