Concern over arrests of educated Muslim professionals

Mangalore, August 31: In the wake of the arrest of 11 Muslim youths by the CCB of Bangalore Police, Federation of Muslim NGOs (FMN) has demanded the administration a fair investigation, adherence to rule of law and reiteration that innocents would not be harassed.

Five boys from Bangalore were picked up on Wednesday at 9:30 am in a silver colour Innova by persons claiming to be policeman from JC Nagar locality of Bangalore.

One of the arrested is Muthi-ur-Rahman Siddiqui who is working for Deccan Herald newspaper. The neighbors of the five persons lodged a complaint with the local police and have vouched for their good behavior. On Thursday, the police have announced that 11 persons have been arrested on charges that they are working with LeT and HUJI.

A media release issued here by FMN stated that it was a known fact that HUJI and LET were at war with each other and there was no way that a person could work with both the above terror organizations. “We have reason to doubt the police version, especially in the wake of the impending elections”, said the release.

Maintaining that Muslim NGOs are committed to the rule of law, the release stated that if the arrested persons had committed any offence they should be tried by a competent court of law.

“However, we are very concerned that educated Muslim professionals like doctors, engineers and journalists have been arrested. We fervently hope that the police are acting in a fair manner without being influenced by the Political bosses”, the release said.

“We therefore demand that a fair investigation be conducted, that the media and the police reaffirm and reiterate the principle that a person in innocent until proved guilty and we further demand that other innocents should not be harassed”, it said.

“We, as responsible citizens of this great nation, share the same concerns as our fellow countrymen and would like our country to be peaceful. We seek co-operation from and will co-operate with all like-minded groups and organizations to ensure security, peace and harmony for all the citizens of India”, the release issued by Masood Abdul Khader, convener of FMN stated.