Bengaluru: On the eve of Eid al-Adha, which will be celebrated across India from June 7 to 10, a 14-member delegation from the Karnataka Muslim Muttahida Mahaz, an umbrella body representing various Muslim organizations in the state, met with Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara in Bengaluru. The delegation appealed to the government to take all necessary steps to maintain peace and communal harmony across the state and to ensure that no one is allowed to take the law into their own hands during the festival period.

They also submitted a detailed memorandum highlighting a series of concerns affecting the Muslim community and other marginalized groups, urging immediate intervention and long-term policy action.

Led by Masood Abdul Khader, Convenor of the Mahaz, the delegation congratulated the state government on completing two years in office and praised its implementation of pro-people schemes. However, the group voiced serious concern over recent developments that threaten communal harmony, civil rights, and social justice.

Key Issues Highlighted in the Memorandum:

Rising Communal Tensions:
The memorandum cited multiple incidents in Gulbarga, Belagavi, Mangaluru, Mysuru, and Channagiri, including derogatory remarks, violence, hate speeches, and a custodial death. The delegation demanded swift investigations, strict action against hate mongers, and a public assurance of the government’s commitment to peace. They also welcomed the decision to set up a Special Action Force and urged its immediate and effective implementation.

Undertrial Prisoners and Legal Aid:
Noting that over 75% of prisoners in Karnataka jails are undertrials, many from economically weaker sections, the delegation demanded access for 10 designated human rights lawyers in each central and district jail, and the creation of free legal aid teams for minorities, SCs, OBCs, and tribal groups. They also called for the inclusion of Muslim human rights experts on jail committees.

Unchecked Hate Speech:
Drawing on findings by India Hate Lab, the Mahaz pointed to increasing hate speech against Muslims, particularly around elections. They called for prosecution of all such cases from the past five years and sought pre-festival coordination with community leaders to prevent planned provocations.

Misinformation and Fake News:
With fake news having led to violence and communal tensions, the memorandum urged the permanent reinstatement of the Information Disorder Tackling Unit, along with curriculum-based education in schools and state-wide awareness campaigns across media platforms.

Demand to Repeal Cow Slaughter Law:
The Karnataka Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, 2020, was described as discriminatory and allegedly misused against Muslims and Dalits. The delegation called for a judicial review and repeal of the law.

Anti-Drug Enforcement:
Concerned over the rise in drug addiction, especially among youth from poor backgrounds, the Mahaz demanded a Special Task Force under the Chief Minister’s direct supervision, following Punjab's strict model, with monthly public progress reports.

The delegation emphasized that addressing these issues would foster trust, uphold Karnataka’s secular values, and protect vulnerable communities. They urged the Deputy CM and Home Minister to act decisively and ensure inclusive governance.

Joint Convenor Maulana Mohammed Yusuf Kanni, along with Tanveer Ahmed Shareef, Mansoori Ahmed Qureshi, Talha Siddibapa, and others, were also part of the delegation representing various organizations.