Banswada Clashes: MIM Seeks Release Of Innocent Youth

A delegation of legislators from the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) today met Telangana Minorities Welfare Minister Mohammed Azharuddin and Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Mahesh Bhagwat separately and submitted a detailed representation regarding the Banswada communal incident.

The incident resulted in minor vandalism and tension. Following the clashes, certain right-wing organisations called for a bandh on Saturday, which was observed amid heavy police deployment.

The legislators, including Mohammad Mubeen (the Bahadurpura MLA), Mir Zulfeqar Ali (the Charminar MLA), Ahmed Bin Abdullah Balala (the Malakpet MLA), Kausar Mohiuddin (the Karwan MLA), Mirza Rahmat Baig (MLC) and Mirza Riyaz-ul-Hasan Effendi (MLC), sought the immediate release of "innocent" Muslim youth, a stay on further arrests and the disbursement of adequate compensation to the affected shop owners.

The delegation stated that eight Muslims were arrested in connection with the incident, and requested a fair review of the cases, urging that innocent individuals should not be harassed and should be released after proper legal scrutiny.

Expressing serious concern over the clashes, they also urged the minister to take stringent action against those responsible, and implement measures to maintain communal harmony and restore peace in the affected area.

They also raised the issue of alleged looting of and damage to Muslim-owned shops and, sought adequate compensation for the affected traders.

Reacting to the appeal, the minister too called for a thorough and impartial investigation, and demanded strict action against those responsible for disturbing communal harmony. He said that maintaining peace and protecting the rights and property of all citizens was the government's priority.

The issue of the reported demolition of Masjid-e-Maulana was also discussed, and concern was expressed over the matter. The minister assured the delegation that the issue would be examined carefully and appropriate steps taken as per the law.

In addition, the meeting also reviewed preparations for the upcoming holy month of Ramadan. Azharuddin directed officials to ensure that all necessary arrangements were made smoothly so that the community did not face any inconvenience.