Vijayapura: Expressing concern over the rising cases of communal violence in Karnataka and in India, noted Muslim Cleric and President of Muslim Muttehida Council (MMC), Sayed Tanveer Hashmi has said that it is time for those who love to see India united, must raise voices against the communal forces.
Speaking at the inter-religious harmony meet and Iftar party organised by Non Formal Education Society at St. Anne’s Church here, he said that people must rise to the occasion to show solidarity. Stating that while only a marginal section of people indulge in communal violence and spread hatred, the majority of the people of society want love and harmony to prevail.
“We should make sure that we stand with that majority of people and not with those limited number of people. We can certainly beat those forces that are trying to divide the society on religious basis if we stay united irrespective of caste and religion,” he said.
He urged people of Muslim community to conduct special prayers in the holy month of Ramzan for the peace and harmony of the country.
Hashmi also hoped that such events would be held more in order to bring people of all sections of the society together.
In his address, Teyol Machado, Director of the NGO also regretted that the society is witnessing the rise of communal forces. “We recently celebrated various festivals of different religions. While the religions are meant to spread love and compassion, some people are using the religion to spread hate in the society which is disheartening.”
He appealed to the people not to get driven by people spreading communal agenda.
Abhay Porwal, one of the representatives of the Jain community, said that like any other religion, Jainism teaches care for humanity. He said non-violence is the key aspect of Jainism.
Leaders of various religions were present.
