March 12, 2006, VARANASI:
Muslims of Varanasi, and more notably the burkha clad
womenfolk, came out on the streets and demonstrated against the recent
bomb blasts in the city. They also demanded ‘fatwa’ against the
perpetrators of terror.
The unique protest at the busy Lahurabir Crossing was from
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It was a significant gesture, given that fingers are
pointed at Muslims whenever there are terrorist acts. The previous day,
the Muslims during their Friday prayers remembered the blast victims.
Organised by an NGO called Human Welfare Association, the
protest dharna was held to condemn those behind the Varanasi blasts and
the governments for their failure to contain such acts. Raising slogans
like "Terrorists cannot break our unity", "Aatankwad Roko, Samaj Bachav
(Stop Terrorism, Save Society)", "Bomb visfot band karo, Bachon ka
bhavish bachav (Put a stop to bomb blasts, Save the future of our
children)", the processionists were demanding immediate arrest of those
behind the blasts. "We do not want terrorists’ designs to be successful.
Their aim is to vitiate communal harmony in the country and that is the
reason why this protest was organised," said Dr Rajnikant, who heads the
NGO.
"We want Hindus and Muslims to condemn acts of terror and
that explains why we have staged a dharna here," Naushaba, a Muslim lady,
told HT at the dharna site.
"Since fingers are pointed at Muslim youth and in many
such terror acts it has been established, we demand Muslim religious
priests should announce fatwa against the terrorists," she said.
Echoing her sentiments, Hasina Begum also demanded fatwa
against the terrorists behind the blasts. "Since fingers are pointed at
Muslims, it is the responsibility of the Muslim religious heads to
announce fatwa against them," Naushaba and Hasina Begum said in unison.
(Courtesy: Hindustan Times.)