Pune, 5th December 2023: Representatives of various Muslim community organizations, convening at meetings organized by the National Conference for Minorities (NCM), are urging the reinstatement of the 5 percent reservation granted to the Muslim community by the Maharashtra government in 2014. The community members are seeking the passage of necessary legislation to reinstate this reservation.

Under the chairmanship of Rahul Dambale, the National Conference for Minorities organized three meetings to review Muslim reservations at Alpachat Bhavan in Pune. The meetings, attended by representatives from political parties, organizations, and institutions dedicated to the issue of Muslim reservations, saw the participation of many former corporators from the Muslim community in Pune city, as well as representatives from various social organizations and eminent citizens.

It has been highlighted that there are no legal obstacles to reinstating the 5 percent reservation previously granted to the Muslim community. After extensive discussions and thorough verification of all possibilities, it has been determined that the existing state government needs to enact legislation to reinstate these reservations.

In light of this, prominent Muslim leaders from Maharashtra, led by senior leader Qari Idris of Pune city and National President of NCM Rahul Dambale, along with Zubair Memon, will meet approximately 100 MLAs from Shiv Sena, Congress, Nationalist Congress, Samajwadi Party, and MIM, who are supportive of Muslim reservations. This meeting is scheduled to take place in Nagpur from December 12 to 15 during the Congress period. The leaders will present a report and request the approval of the Muslim Reservation Act during the winter session of the State Legislature.

Amidst increasing attacks on the Muslim community, particularly in Maharashtra, the advocates argue for the need for a robust law akin to the Atrocities Act for Muslims. The rise in religious persecution has created an atmosphere of fear within the Muslim community. The absence of effective legislation leaves the community vulnerable to harassment and attacks. In response to hate speech, the Supreme Court and High Courts have expressed concerns and issued orders for strict action against perpetrators of such provocative expressions. However, there is a perception that these court orders are not being effectively implemented.

Consequently, the advocates are urging the state of Maharashtra to take the initiative and enact a stringent law, similar to the Atrocities Act, to prevent injustices and atrocities against the Muslim community. This demand will be presented to the Chief Minister along with the support of 100 MLAs.