2002: Indian Muslim Statements, The Milli Gazette

2002: Indian Muslim Statements
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ALL INDIA MUSLIM MAJLIS-e-MUSHAWARAT

AIMMM Letter to the Chief Election Commissioner

13 July, 2002

The Chief Election Commissioner,
Election Commission of India,
Ashoka Road,
New Delhi – 110 001.

Sir,

The All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat feels deeply concerned at the build up of political pressure to hold elections in Gujarat ahead of schedule.

We have conveyed to the Government that in our view free and fair election cannot be held unless the State returns to normalcy and peace. Today to make an artificial show of normalcy, the people are being forced out of the refugee camps. But they are unable to go back to their original homes, in the urban areas or, more so, in the rural areas, because their return is being violently resisted or subjected to impossible conditions or for lack of resources they are unable to rebuild or even repair their destroyed/damaged homes. Most of them have found shelter with their friends and relatives in other areas. How can they exercise their right to vote unless the social environment is free from fear and either they return to their homes or settle elsewhere and, having settled, can approach the electoral authorities to shift their names.

Thus, the electoral roll have to be revised. We suggest that the Election Commission should first undertake a Special Intensive Revision of the electoral rolls, once life becomes normal.

There is no constitutional imperative for premature election. So, at present our request is that the Election Commission of India should make it clear to all concerned that the question of advancing the Assembly election is not on its agenda, that Intensive Revision will take time and that the Commission alone has the authority to announce dates for elections.

Yours faithfully,

(SYED SHAHABUDDIN)
ALL INDIA MUSLIM MAJLIS-e-MUSHAWARAT
N-44, Abul Fazal Enclave, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi - 110 025 Phone: 632 6780 Fax: 632 7346 Email: muslim@del3.vsnl.net.in q

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