CMCRM CONFERENCE: Mirwaiz North Kashmir calls for a movement against hatred to keep true idea of India alive
STC NEWS DESK
NEW DELHI, FEBRUARY 24( STC): In view of the efficacy of the social alignment between Muslims and Sikhs, a one-day conference was held here on Sunday at India Islamic Cultural Centre(IICC). The Conference was organized by Combined Movement for Constitutional Rights of the Minorities (CMCRM) group.
Mirwiaz North Kashmir Hassan Firdousi attended the Conference as Guest of Honour. Representatives of social organisations as well as the concerned, responsible and like-minded citizens across the country also attended the Conference.
The Conference commemorated and
celebrated the legacy of Malerkotla, as model for minorities to seek and to forge an alignment across India as both Sikhs and Muslims equally suffer on account of their distinct identity, culture and religions all the way after the Independence. The Confederation pointed dire need of the combined efforts for the enforcement of Constitutional Rights of the Minorities.
“As both Islam and Sikhism is based upon the principle of equality and impartiality, this conference serves as an important platform for unity among the communities. Here, we have gathered today not as separate communities, but as partners in a shared legacy of resistance, resilience, and unity, said Mirwaiz North Kashmir Hassan Firdousi while speaking on the occasion. “
We need to take inspiration from the rich history of erstwhile princely state of Malerkotla, a town that has long been a living example of unbreakable bond between Muslims and Sikhs. From the times of Mughal era to the challenges of Partition, the people of Malerkotla have upheld the values of fraternity, trust, and mutual respect, said Hassan Firdousi.
Taking a leaf from the history, the Mirwaiz North Kashmir said, “In 1705, when Governor of Sirhind, Wazir Khan sentenced Fateh Singh and Zorawar Singh, the 9 and 7 years old sons of Guru Gobind Singh, to be bricked alive, Nawab of Malerkotla Sher Mohammed Khan, who was a relative of Wazir Khan and was present in the court, lodged a vehement protest against this inhuman act and said it was against the teachings of Islam. However, Wazir Khan did not heed to his words and had the boys bricked into a section of wall while still alive. Malerkotla Nawab Sher Mohammed Khan walked out of the court in protest. When Guru Gobind Singh learnt about this, he profusely thanked the Nawab of Malerkotla and blessed him with his hukamnama and kirpan.”
He revisited the 1947 riots in his speech and stated that when Punjab was in flames, the State of Malerkotla did not witness a single incident of violence; through it all, it remained a lone island of peace and harmony.
“It is this historical legacy that we wish to revive and extend across the country. Malerkotla teaches us that unity is not just a choice but a necessity. The trust between its Muslim and Sikh communities allowed them to stand together in the face of adversity, showing us that social harmony is possible even in the most challenging circumstances,” he said.
In his address he asked all to stand together to carry forward the legacy of Malerkotla and commit themselves to forging a similar kinship across the nation.
About teachings of both Islam and Sikhism, Hassan Firdousi highlighted the value of contribution towards our motherland. “Contribution of both Muslims and Sikhs in the freedom struggle of India is known to all. Be it Asfakullah Khan or Bhagat Singh, Asaf Ali or Sohan Singh Bhakna, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad or Maan Sant Baba Mehar Singh, the list is so long,” he said and further elaborated that Post-independence also, the two communities have served the nation in various fields. “Be it Zakir Husain, Mohammad Hidayatullah, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, A. P. J. Abdul Kalam or Dr. Manmohan Singh, Gyani Zail Singh, Jagdish Singh Khehar, be it Dr. Israr Ahmed, Dr. Syed Zahoor Qasim, Dr. C. M. Habibullah or Khushdeva Singh, Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, Jasbir Kaur; their contribution to the country and humanity is admirable and motivating.”
He stressed to take inspiration from these legends and stand together to recreate the history of Malerkotla all across India.
“India has been a country of unity among diversity throughout its historical phases. It has openheartedly accepted people from varied regions, religions, casts, creeds and colours. However, those who are less in number, often remain unheard, overlooked and left out,” Firdousi said.
Without blaming anyone for discrimination, he emphasised the need to stand together, speak together. “Let not only the Muslims and the Sikhs but all the minorities come together in affinity to strengthen ourselves and make our voices heard, noticed and acknowledged. Our movement, the Combined Movement for Constitutional Rights of Minorities (CMCRM), is not just about raising voices; it is about creating real and lasting change.”
He listed demands including enforcement of constitutional rights without bias; equal social and political representation of Muslims, Sikhs and other marginalised communities; legal and institutional safeguards and integrating the Minorities.
“Let us build a movement that no force of hatred can divide us and the true idea of India be kept alive,” said Mirwaiz North Kashmir Hassan Firdousi while concluding his speech. (STC)
