Malaysia’s Islamic body condemns ban on PFI

 Majlis Perundingan Pertubuhan Islam Malaysia (Malaysia Consultative Council of Islamic Organizations) an umbrella body of Muslim organizations, has vehemently condemned the ban on PFI (Popular Front of India) and demanded immediate release of its leaders specially E Abubacker.

Mohammad Azmi Abdul Hamid, the president of the Islamic body in a statement expressed ‘deep concern on the incarceration of E Abubacker in New Delhi’s Tihar Jail. He categorically demanded the immediate release of E. Abubacker who is suffering from cancer and Parkinson’s disease.

Abdul Hamid said, “We are following his case with great concern as he is reported to be facing a deteriorating health condition.”

“The Delhi High Court refusal to grant him his request to transfer him to house arrest from Tihar Jail on account of his health condition is regretful. It is perplexing not to give the 70-year-old Muslim leader the right of medical treatment. The investigation which is currently done by the National Investigation Agency under provisions of India’s terror law, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the National Investigation Agency Act, should not deny his basic rights to get a proper medical treatment,” he said.

In his petition, E. Abubacker had stated that he is suffering from serious medical ailments, including a rare form of cancer – gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma – and Parkinson’s disease.

“He and hundreds of Muslim activists associated with PFI were arrested under the draconian UAPA and have been languishing in jail across India,” said Abdul Hamid.

We condemn the arbitrary banning of PFI and its associates including Campus Front of India, Rehab India Foundation, All India Imams Council, National Confederation of Human Rights Organisations, National Women’s Front, Junior Front, Empower India Foundation and Rehab Foundation, Kerala, he said.

“We object strongly the Indian authorities declaring the organisations as “unlawful associations”.

“The accusation of terror funding claims against them are political and are denying their democratic rights to voice their concerns on the current development of India relating to minority rights. We call on all justice loving people of India to unite and demand for the protection of minorities and to ensure their democratic rights,” said Abdul Hamid.