New Delhi: Asserting that there is a “determined attack on minorities and Dalits” since the BJP-led government came to power, the Communist Party of India (CPI) on Friday alleged that the government was trying to undermine Jamia Milia Islamia (JMI) and Aligarh Muslim Universities (AMU) by questioning their minority status.
CPI national secretary D. Raja said that AMU and Jamia were functioning within the parameters of the law and slammed Sangh Parivar for questioning established norms.
“Ever since Mr. Modi became Prime Minister, ever since BJP-led government came to office, there is determined attack on minorities, Dalits and tribal people, who tried to assert their rights for educational empowerment. In fact, the AMU and Jamia University are minority institutions but they are functioning within the parameters of the law of the land. The Constitution gives certain rights to minorities to run education institutions,” Raja told ANI.
“But after Modi became Prime Minister, the Sangh Parivar outfits have become so aggressive that they question everything; they question all the accepted positions in the nation. Now the government is trying to undermine the position of these universities,” he added.
Raja, along with seven other Members of Parliament, issued a joint statement, condemning the Centre for questioning the minority status of Jamia Milia Islamia and Aligarh Muslim Universities.
“We strongly condemn, and express our displeasure and deep concern over the nasty move by the Central Government to strip off the minority status from Aligarh Muslim University and Jamia Milia Islamia,” said the statement.
Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi had recently advised the government that Jamia Milia Islamia is not a minority institution, as it was created by an Act of Parliament.
Their statement also slammed Rohatgi’s remarks, and accused him of blatantly trying to outrage rich tradition of harmony in the nation.
The statement said these two institutions have made unparalleled contribution to the nation’s independence and society.
The issue of restoration of minority character of AMU is at present pending with the Supreme Court but what has triggered off the protests is the Centre’s recent decision to reverse the UPA regime’s stand of supporting the university in the apex court on this issue.
—-ANI