Published 23:05 IST, September 12th 2019
Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind speaks on Kashmir, NRC and the UAPA bill
Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, a top Muslim body comes out and talks of Article 370, NRC and the UAPA bill which was passed in the last session of the Parliament
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While the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind became the talking point today for openly coming out in support of Kashmir's integration with India, what went unnoticed is it's clear stance on the recent release of final list of NRC and on the amendments on the UAPA (Unlawful activity prevention amendments) bill that had been passed in the last session of the parliament. The new amendments that had invited a lot of debate and controversy around it back in August when it was passed, has also been opposed by Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind. The general secretary, Niyaz Farooqui who spoke with republic network said that, "We do not support the UAPA bill. There has to be a mechanism to check the misuse of the provisions. I'm aware that Amit Shah had assured during his speech in the parliament but I firmly believe that a stern mechanism has to be put in place to keep a check"
The UAPA bill
The objective of the new amendments is to facilitate speedy investigation and prosecution in terror-related offences. The most important part of it is allowing an individual to be designated as a terrorist, and the bill gives the centre an upper hand to declare any individual as a terrorist. The bill saw an easy passage in the Lok Sabha on July 24. The bill was passed by the Rajya Sabha with 147 votes in favour and 42 against it. While responding to opposition's concerns the Union Home Minister Amit Shah had argued that this bill will keep the terror agencies two steps ahead of the terrorists and also assured that BJP will never misuse its provisions.
On the implementation of NRC
Amid the uproar on Kashmir, Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind also welcomed NRC with open arms and also boldly opined that NRC should be implemented on all the states of the nation let alone, Assam. They stated that they are not scared and the true citizens only have the right to be part of the nation. On the Kashmir front, the resolution which was passed during their general council, today, in the national capital read that, "Kashmir is an integral part of India and Kashmiris are our compatriots". They further added that the separatist groups are not only harmful to India but also for Kashmiris.
20:33 IST, September 12th 2019