Eid al-Fitr with black arm bands as protest against Muslim lynchings

Lucknow, Jun 26: Angry with continuous atrocities on Muslims leading to lynching of a number of them, with the case of 16-year old Junaid being the latest victim two days ahead of Eid, citizens including both Hindus and Muslims across the country have decided to wear black bands on their arms on Eid day.

A call to support Muslims and raise voice against repeated mob killings, the campaign was started on social media on Saturday that gathered pace on Sunday with hashtags #StopKillingMuslims and #EidWithBackArmBand doing rounds.

Joining in from Lucknow, a number of activists and common citizens too gave the call to wear black bands on the right arm when Muslims go for the Eid namaz and Hindus otherwise through the day, that received massive response. "It is not a religious point alone, but more so of justice and unity as even those who follow religion and those who don't follow it are going to wear the black bands in solidarity on Monday," said Rajeev Yadav.

A silent protest, citizens across the country, have decided to refer to the day as 'Black Eid 2017' and share photos of the black armband protest on social media, so that governments and politicians take notice and act on ensuring peace and law.

Sharing a poster requesting the same, Ali Khan Mahmudabad wrote, "In solidarity with our brothers and sisters, not because we are scared, but because we are one."

With a rush of WhatsApp messages being shared and tweets declaring the announcement, a statement from individuals including Navaid Hamid, president, All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat, Zafar Mahmood, chairman, Zakat Foundation and Watan ki Fikr amongst others.

The statement read as follows, "We the Muslims of India call for wearing black bands on Eid Day in protest against failure of the Government of India to protect Muslims against uncalled for attacks."

A first version of the statement shared by Zafar Mahmood had also included the name of Maulana Rabey Hasan Nadvi, Rector, Nadavatul Uloom, Lucknow featuring in the list of names but was later omitted from the final version.

"When I first circulated the message, I added a few names and sent it only those people for consent and addition of names. There was however no reply from Maulana Rabey Hasan Nadvi so I deleted his name in the final version. In the meantime however those with the first draft had forwarded the message in social media which created duplicity," said Zafar Mahmood.