CALICUT, India, 28 February 2005 — The twin evils of neo-colonization and poverty are the major threats facing the world today and global powers are bent on impoverishing the Third World countries, All-India Jam’iyyathul Ulama General Secretary Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar said, ringing down the curtain on the 27th anniversary and 12th convocation ceremony of the Markazu Ssaquafathi Ssunniyya here.
In his address yesterday, the Musaliyar said the neo-colonialists, lacking in resources, “were filled with avarice, exploiting the scarce resources of underdeveloped nations”. Imperialists were sneaking into countries like India under the garb of globalization and other multi-lateral agreements. “We should never give in to the vultures. It’s our duty to safeguard our water, our air and our environment”, he said.
Baseless allegations were being leveled against Islam and Muslims in the name of terrorism. Vested interests were spreading canards “in spite of our repeated proclamations that Islam is not on the side of terror or extremism”.
“Babri Masjid demolition and the communal clashes that followed, Gurajat riot and anti-Sikh killings have tainted the face of our democracy. Our tradition, culture and our commitment to secularism will never wane. With the grace of Allah I have been constantly in touch with the leaders, rulers and the public. As an Indian, I’m proud that my country has firm democratic and secular foundation,” he said.
Unfortunately, deliberate attempts are being made to destroy the very principles India is built on. The principle of unity in diversity is simply being forgotten and the minorities like Muslims are being forced to join ‘the mainstream’ discarding their cultural and ideological identities. “This is totally against the basic tenets of this great nation”, he said.
NRI businessmen M.A. Yoousuf Ali and P. Muhammad Ali and industrialist Yenopoya Abdullah Kunhi were felicitated on the occasion.
