2002: Indian Muslim Statements, The Milli Gazette

2002: Indian Muslim Statements
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Council of Indian Muslims (UK)

Hindu Graffiti on the Mosque Wall Causes Tension in Ilford

London, 7 October, 2002: Tension is running high in Ilford, east London, after Om, (symbol of Hindu prayer), and a slogan 'jai Hindutwa' (long live Hinduism) was found painted on the wall of a mosque, Masjid-e-Da'watul Islam (The Ilford Muslim Society, 112 Balfour Road, Ilford Essex IG1 4JE) yesterday.

Muslims of the area are suspecting local VHP activists who have created such problems in the past as well which was mutually resolved by community leaders. However in view of VHP's shameless defence and glorification of and abetment in the crimes committed in Gujarat, the mosque committee has decided not to talk to the VHP.

The CIM has deplored the incident as an uncalled for provocation by the miscreants. 'This is an outrageous act aimed at poisoning community relations in the UK on the pattern of Gujarat and is highly deplorable'. Mr Munaf Zeena, Chairman of the CIM said in a statement today.

He added, 'This particular mosque is managed by Indian Muslims. Before this on the night of 11 December the office of an Indian Muslim solicitor was broken into in North London in which the perpetrators did not take away anything but to express their hatred against Muslims they burnt a copy of the Holy Qur'an by putting it in a plate and a Qur'anic calligraphic piece in the sink. We suspect a common motive - provocation of communal discard and hatred - behind these two incidents

Mr Zeena also said, 'Incidents like this have to be seen against the background of the VHP leaders' visit to the UK. We have been asking Home Office to take seriously the threat posed by the VHP to the community relations and ban its leaders from India from entering the UK.'

Mr Zeena urged all peace loving and responsible members of the Indian community to be vigilant and thwart the dirty plans of the VHP to incite trouble and get political gains.

Sd/- Mohamed Munaf Zeena (Contact: 07956 335384)
COUNCIL OF INDIAN MUSLIMS (UK)
68 Cazenove Road, Stoke Newington, London N16 6AA
Tel: 020 8806 1147 Fax: 020 8806 6859 Email: coimuk@hotmail.com, www.cimuk.org q

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