Bengaluru: A delegation of prominent Muslim scholars and community leaders, led by Karnataka Minister for Minority Welfare and Waqf B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan, met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday at the Krishna CM Home Office to present a detailed memorandum addressing issues affecting the Muslim community in the state.
The delegation expressed concern over increasing incidents that threaten communal harmony and urged the Chief Minister to take effective action against individuals and groups involved in spreading fear and disrupting peace. Referring to recent incidents in Belagavi, Basavakalyan, and Frazer Town in Bengaluru, the delegation condemned the alleged acts of intimidation and demanded legal action against those responsible, including individuals reportedly involved in forcibly entering Muslim homes.
A key issue raised during the meeting was the continued incarceration of several youths arrested in connection with the K.G. Halli and D.J. Halli violence that occurred five years ago. The delegation urged the government to expedite legal proceedings and ensure justice for those found innocent, emphasizing the prolonged detention as a violation of due process.
The leaders also called for strict measures against cow vigilante groups and other extremist organizations accused of taking the law into their own hands. They asserted that the enforcement of law should remain solely within the jurisdiction of the police and not be influenced by any religious or fringe outfits.
Another major point of discussion was the long-pending demand for reservation for Muslims in education and government employment. Citing a recommendation by the State Backward Classes Commission proposing 8% reservation for Muslims, the delegation requested its prompt implementation. They stressed that while caste-based classifications are not prevalent within the Muslim community, many Muslim groups fall under economically and socially disadvantaged categories deserving of affirmative support.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah listened attentively to the delegation and assured them of serious consideration and action on all raised issues. He reiterated his government’s commitment to upholding communal harmony and safeguarding minority rights.
Apart from Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, the delegation included Political Secretary to the Chief Minister Naseer Ahmed, Imam and Khateeb of Bengaluru’s Jama Masjid Maulana Maqsood Imran Rashadi, President of Jamiat Ulema Karnataka Mufti Iftikhar Ahmed Qasmi, Secretary Muhibullah Ameen, Jamaat-e-Islami Karnataka chief Dr. Saad Belgami, Maulana Waheeduddin Umri, All India Muslim Personal Law Board member Asim Afroz Seth, Maulana Shakirullah Rashadi, Karnataka Milli Council President Maulana Naushad Alam Qasmi, Jamaat-e-Islami Vice President Yusuf Kanni, and other community leaders.