2 days ago
Owaisi criticises UAPA misuse after acquittal of eight accused linked to SIMI
Hyderabad parliamentarian Asaduddin Owaisi criticised the misuse of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) against the backdrop of the acquittal of eight men who were accused of having links with the banned outfit of the Students Islamic Movement of India.
Interacting with the media at the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen party headquarters in Darussalaam, Mr Owaisi recalled that when the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government had amended the law, he had opposed it in the Parliament. He recollected warning the then government that the law would disproportionately affect Muslims and dalits.
'Eighteen years later, the court acquitted them. Their youth has been stolen. Who will answer for this?' he asked.
Drawing a parallel with recent political developments, Mr Owaisi referenced Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's remarks on voter data fudging, which he described as vote chori (vote theft). 'They are saying chori, chori. But what about these men whose lives have been taken away in the name of justice?' he asked.
Referring to a recent Supreme Court order on stray dogs that triggered a debate, Mr Owaisi questioned the silence around those who remain incarcerated under the UAPA provisions.
'I do not understand how those who have spent six years in jail without bail continue to be ignored,' he said.
Mr Owaisi clarified that he respects the judiciary but also expressed grave concern that the some of the undertrials have up served sentences prescribed under the very sections of laws invoked against them.
The Hyderabad MP also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day for the second time in which he praised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Mr Owaisi accused the organisation of playing no role in the freedom struggle, calling its literature objectionable. He made a specific reference to Shyama Prasad Mookerjee, an RSS leader who served as a minister in the Bengal cabinet under Fazl-ul-Haq in 1941. 'In March 1940, Fazl-ul-Haq supported the Pakistan resolution moved by the Muslim League,' he said.
Criticising the narrative around Partition, Mr Owaisi argued that the voting rights of Muslims at that time were severely restricted. 'Hardly 2% or 3% of Muslims had the right to vote. These were elite, who had right to vote which was conditional,' he said, adding that a vast majority of Muslims could not vote.
Touching upon the political climate in Bihar, Mr Owaisi said that his party leaders are already active on the ground working towards the upcoming polls, including those of local bodies, and then the assembly elections. He said that he would campaign in that State soon.
