Resolving the Conflict: “True face of terrorist Hamas unveiled by Congress’s support,” says Muslim Rashtriya Manch

Muslim Rashtriya Manch has held Congress, the main opposition party in the country, and the All India Muslim Personal Law Board accountable for extending support to the Hamas. The Manch believes that there should be no dispute, disagreement, or conflict that cannot be resolved through dialogue. However, it is a matter of grave concern that Hamas’s gruesome acts of terrorism have pushed the limits of inhumanity, warranting the harshest condemnation.

Dance of Massacre and Barbarism
Shahid Sayeed, the media spokesperson of Muslim Rashtriya Manch, revealed that an emergency meeting of MRM was held at Kalam Bhavan in Jhandewalan, New Delhi, on Thursday. This meeting was attended by all national coordinators, state and regional coordinators, co-coordinators, and heads of various departments, comprising about 60 people. The meeting involved a combination of both offline and online participation to accommodate stakeholders from remote areas. The meeting provided a platform for rigorous critique of Hamas’s actions. The Manch asserts that Hamas’s current activities fall into the category of not war but naked brutality and barbarism that no civilized society, community, or nation can tolerate.

The Center of Dispute – Jerusalem
The disputed regions, particularly Jerusalem, have been a focal point of contention between both countries from the very beginning. Jerusalem has historical and cultural significance for both Israeli Jews and Palestinian Arabs. They both lay claim to this territory, and it holds immense religious sanctity for both – Al-Aqsa Mosque, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is profoundly significant for both parties. Jews refer to this sacred place as the “Temple Mount,” while Muslims call it “Al-Haram Al-Sharif.” The “Dome of the Rock,” situated here, is considered the holiest place in Judaism, while for Muslims, it holds significance due to its connection to the Prophet Muhammad.

Muslims are allowed to pray there, but non-Muslims are only permitted entry and are restricted from performing any religious rituals. Recently, during the Sukkot festival, Jewish adherents made a pilgrimage to the area, which was criticized by Hamas. Hamas accused the Jews of violating the status quo agreements and conducting prayer there. Apart from these two, Christian communities also stake their claims in this place. With such deep-seated claims of significance from different religions, the issues remain unresolved and if not addressed, there is a risk of further violence affecting innocent lives.

Non-Violence and Dialogue are Essential
Muslim Rashtriya Manch believes that no matter what the reasons behind the conflicts, they should be resolved through discussions and in a peaceful manner. Violence, oppression, and terrorism can only bring destruction and devastation and cannot solve the problems. The Manch expressed severe condemnation for Hamas’s terrorist acts and emphasizes the need for a resolution that entails peaceful negotiations and dialogue. The atrocities committed by Hamas during their terrorist attacks involved cruelty against Israeli citizens, women, and children.

The Manch believes that whether it is the Israel-Palestine conflict or Russia-Ukraine conflict, the solution should come through dialogue and a peaceful environment. Hamas’s acts of terror had spread death, bloodshed, and mourning on Israeli streets, which were heartbreaking sights. These innocent and helpless victims were living testimonials to the inhumanity of Hamas. In such circumstances, the Manch firmly believes that as difficult as dialogue may seem, it is better than any form of violence, atrocity, or further “rounds” and “doors” that lead nowhere. The Manch also criticized Hamas for its terrorist activities and categorizes it as a terrorist organization.

Not Reading the Quran or the Bible
The Manch contends that the Quran, along with religious texts from around the world, give messages of peace, tolerance, love, and harmony. Nowhere in these sacred texts is violence, bloodshed, or murder condoned. However, it is regrettable that individuals and groups associated with Islam have tarnished its name. The Manch believes that Islam advocates peace, not the use of bombs, explosives, and guns. The Manch appeals to Muslim countries to denounce Hamas for its cowardice and brutality.

India’s Perspective on Hamas
While the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, it has become a point of political division in India. The government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has expressed support for Israel while condemning Hamas. Meanwhile, the Congress party has been advocating for the rights of Palestinian citizens. In a recent tweet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India condemns all forms of terrorism, and its people stand with Israel during this challenging time. The Muslim Rashtriya Manch has also criticized Hamas and expressed solidarity with the Israeli people.

Congress Unveiled Once Again
The Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM) believes that the world, including Muslim-majority nations, should unite in opposing the terrorist activities of Hamas. The MRM also criticized the leadership of the Congress party for their stance on the issue. The MRM’s view is that instead of criticizing Hamas, Congress is trying to defend them, which is deemed inhumane and unacceptable. The MRM insists that the primary opposition party, Congress, should distance itself from such disgraceful actions. The MRM points out that Congress’s flawed mindset and questionable conduct have contributed to terrorism in places like Kashmir, which was once known as a peaceful haven but was disrupted by bomb blasts, gunfire, and stone-pelting mobs.

The MRM also highlights Congress’s involvement in the rise of Khalistani supporters in Punjab, making it clear that Congress bears responsibility for its history of violence and bloodshed. The Manch believes that due to the weakness of Congress, the country had to endure the trauma of the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Similarly, in the 1989 Bhagalpur riots, the faces of Congress members involved in heinous acts were exposed. According to the MRM, Congress, along with so-called secular parties, has been responsible for 99.99 per cent of the 34,000 riots that have occurred in India since independence.

Participating Members
During the meeting at Kalama Bhavan in Jhandewalan, New Delhi, prominent members of the Muslim Rashtriya Manch, including Mohammad Afzal, Girish Juyal, Shahid Akhtar, Tahir Hussain, Virag Pachpor Abu Bakar Naqvi, S.K. Muddeen, Raza Hussain Rizvi, Majid Talikoti, Tusharkant, Irfan Ali Peerzada, Haji Mohammad Sabreen, Imran Chaudhary, Mohammad Islam, Khursheed Rajaka, Faiyaz Khan, Shalini Ali, Reshma Hussain, Syed Mohammad Irfan, Thakur Raja Raees, Mahtab Alam Rizvi, Farooq Khan, Azim ul Haq, Imran Hasan, Irtiza Kareem, Anil Garg, Keshav Patel, Mohammad Hasan Noori, Altamash Khan Bihari, Akil Khan, Aasefa Ali, Zaher Hussain, Aamir Khan, Abdul Rauf, Asif Ali, Chandni Bano, Mir Najir, and Badruddin Khan, among others, participated.