New Delhi

Leading Muslim leaders have appealed to the community to stay away protests demonstration being planned by Cockroach Janata Party in Delhi on Saturday.

Dr. Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, President, All India Imam Association, has asked all the Muslims not to participate in any protest, demonstration, or gathering that may lead to tension, unrest, or disturb peace and harmony in our beloved country.

“I am making an appeal and a request. You are aware of the current situation in the country, aren't

“Certain anti-national forces want to disrupt the peace and harmony of our country by misleading people. A major conspiracy is being hatched to vitiate the atmosphere in the nation. I want to tell all Muslims—regarding the political parties that have called for participation in protests on the 10th, and the way they have summoned people to oppose the government—that we are not meant to be used as pawns.

“To this day, we Muslims have only ever been used. This is a time that calls for great courage. Decisions made purely on emotion are rarely sound; act with courage, for courageous decisions yield the best results. Political parties have only ever used us; during past protests, I had made an appeal. Many heeded it, while others went ahead and participated, and they remain in jail to this day. Their entire families are weeping, and there is no one to secure their bail.

“So, I want to tell all Muslims—and I urge you—do not be misled by any political party, and do not participate in these protests. There is no benefit in it for us; these political parties simply want to exploit us for their own gain. You should not go, nor should you send your children. Many people went—or might go—simply to witness the scene, only to end up getting arrested.

“You are aware that Section 144 has been imposed in Delhi. You are aware that anyone arrested during this protest will face serious charges and be denied bail; you will find yourselves in deep trouble—ruined—and you will bring ruin upon your families as well. I urge all Imams to make an announcement from their mosques today and advise all Muslims not to participate in any kind of protest.

“The current situation is extremely delicate, and things could easily take a turn for the worse. Anti-national forces are active, seeking to disrupt the country's atmosphere. Therefore, for the sake of God, I once again appeal to all Muslims not to join any protests. Furthermore, regarding social media—do not forward any messages that could incite riots or disturb the peace of the nation. You are not part of this protest; you are symbols of harmony and peace in this country. So, if anyone tries to lure you or your children into participating in a protest, do not go under any circumstances. Thank you very much.”

Another leading Muslim leader Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, President of the All India Muslim Jamaat has also asked Muslims to stay away from violent protests at Jantar Mantar.

In a statement, the Bareilly based cleric said, "Holding a sit-in protest is every person’s right; it is our legal right. However, when a protest turns violent, no one can be allowed to resort to violence. I want to appeal to all Muslim youths living in Delhi or in the districts of Uttar Pradesh to stay away from the Cockroach Janta Party’s upcoming sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and not participate in it under any circumstances.

“This is because violent incidents occurred during the Cockroach party’s protest in recent days. Muslims are a vulnerable section of society, and some Muslims who participated in that protest later had to face considerable difficulties.”

I am making an appeal and a request. You are aware of the current situation in the country, aren't you?

Certain anti-national forces want to disrupt the peace and harmony of our country by misleading people. A major conspiracy is being hatched to vitiate the atmosphere in the nation. I want to tell all Muslims—regarding the political parties that have called for participation in protests on the 10th, and the way they have summoned people to oppose the government—that we are not meant to be used as pawns.

To this day, we Muslims have only ever been used. This is a time that calls for great courage. Decisions made purely on emotion are rarely sound; act with courage, for courageous decisions yield the best results. Political parties have only ever used us; during past protests, I had made an appeal. Many heeded it, while others went ahead and participated, and they remain in jail to this day. Their entire families are weeping, and there is no one to secure their bail. So, I want to tell all Muslims—and I urge you—do not be misled by any political party, and do not participate in these protests. There is no benefit in it for us; these political parties simply want to exploit us for their own gain. You should not go, nor should you send your children. Many people went—or might go—simply to witness the scene, only to end up getting arrested.

You are aware that Section 144 has been imposed in Delhi. You are aware that anyone arrested during this protest will face serious charges and be denied bail; you will find yourselves in deep trouble—ruined—and you will bring ruin upon your families as well. I urge all Imams to make an announcement from their mosques today and advise all Muslims not to participate in any kind of protest.

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The current situation is extremely delicate, and things could easily take a turn for the worse. Anti-national forces are active, seeking to disrupt the country's atmosphere. Therefore, for the sake of God, I once again appeal to all Muslims not to join any protests. Furthermore, regarding social media—do not forward any messages that could incite riots or disturb the peace of the nation. You are not part of this protest; you are symbols of harmony and peace in this country. So, if anyone tries to lure you or your children into participating in a protest, do not go under any circumstances. Thank you very much.