Indian Mosque Imam Warns of civil war

20/04/2002| IslamWeb

HIGHLIGHTS: Muslims Would Have to Defend Themselves.
Muslims And Opposition Demand Modi's Resignation.
BJP Accused of Returning to Hindu Revivalist Roots.
(Read photo caption within)

STORYSyed Ahmed Bukhari, the chief Imam (Muslim Prayer Leader) of India's biggest mosque says civil war could erupt if genocide against Muslims in the western state of Gujarat does not end.

The Imam was addressing worshippers attending Friday noon prayers in the wake of India's worst religious bloodletting in a decade.

More than 750 people, most from the minority Muslim population, have died in reprisal killings and clashes since a Muslim mob in reprisal for Hindus plans to build a temple at the site of a 16th century mosque by mid-March burnt alive 59 Hindus in a train in late February.

DEMANDS FOR MODI'S RESIGNATION

As he spoke, a crowd of Muslims torched an effigy of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi at the gates to the over-crowded mosque in Delhi's in the over-populated old quarter after beating the cloth figure with sticks. "Shame on Modi," they cried.

Bukhari's warning came as opposition parties and coalition allies kept up the heat in parliament on the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party-led coalition to dismiss Modi, accusing him of turning a blind eye to the killings of Muslims.

The parliament adjourned in uproar for a fifth day after the government again rejected calls for his dismissal.

BJP ACCUSED OF RETURNING TO HINDU REVIVALIST ROOTS

Modi has denied charges that his administration and state police looked the other way while Hindu gangs went on a rampage, killing Muslims and looting and burning Muslim property.

Since the violence in Gujarat broke out, the BJP has increasingly adopted a new strident Hindu tone, prompting critics to say the party is returning to its Hindu revivalist roots.

Last weekend, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, long seen as a moderate among hardliners, surprised many when he accused Muslims of wanting "to spread terror in the name of religion".

While violence has waned in Gujarat, the state has witnessed sporadic religious clashes and killings over the past few weeks, although all was quiet on Friday as the defence minister, George Fernandes, toured areas worst hit by the violence.
He told reporters the government was considering whether to pull out the army, which has been helping, keep peace.

                                 SOURCE: NEW DELHI (Islamweb & News Agencies)


PHOTO CAPTION:

Syed Ahmed Bukhari (R), chief cleric of India's biggest mosque, is shown after Friday prayers in New Delhi on April 19. REUTERS/Pawel Kopczyns