Agartala: Tafajjal Hossain, the sole Muslim legislator from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Tripura, is facing widespread criticism from Muslim groups for his recent remarks during the just-concluded Tripura Legislative Assembly session.
In an attempt to defend Minister Sudhangshu Das, Hossain claimed that members of his community were involved in criminal and anti-national activities. He also referenced the desecration of temples and defacement of Hindu idols in Bangladesh and Tripura to justify his position.
Following these statements, Hossain was met with severe backlash from various Muslim organizations. They condemned his comments, labeling them as “extremely defamatory” and “objectionable,” and demanded a public apology for portraying the entire Muslim community in a negative light.
Reacting strongly to his remarks, Mufti Taibur Rahman, President of Tripura State Jamiat Ulema-I-Hind, said, “Multiple news outlets have reported that Boxnagar MLA Tofazzal Hossain, during the Assembly session, stated that the Muslim community is involved in various criminal activities in the state and the country. He did not exclude any Muslim from his statement. His remarks have hurt the community deeply. Within the Muslim nation, there are saints, scholars, philosophers, spiritual leaders, and patriots who sacrificed for India’s independence. Even today, many Muslims set aside their self-interests for the country’s progress and reputation. The contributions and sacrifices of the Muslim community in India’s freedom struggle cannot be ignored. Figures like Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, and countless others set exceptional examples against terrorism and crime. Hossain has no right to accuse the entire community of such heinous acts.”
The senior cleric challenged the legislator to back up his claims with evidence. “If Tofazzal Hossain has proof to support his allegations, the Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind of Tripura, representing the Muslim community, demands that he provide it. If his claims are true, how was he, as a Muslim, elected an MLA? How are Muslims appointed as Chairpersons of the Wakf Committee, State Haj Committee, and Minority Morcha if they are criminals? We demand answers,” Rahman added.
He further reminded that the Indian Constitution permits the practice of any faith.
“His previous actions and statements have not been supported by the educated and intellectual Muslim community. He should understand that India is a secular state. The Constitution grants equal rights to all communities, and preserving these rights promotes communal harmony and national unity. Communal harmony doesn’t mean Hindus will pray in mosques, and Muslims will worship in temples. Nor does it mean Hindus will cremate their dead in Muslim graveyards, and Muslims will bury the deceased in Hindu cremation grounds. True communal harmony is when everyone eats what is lawful according to their beliefs, bathes in the same pond, buys from the same ration shop, and fulfills their needs in the same panchayat and market. They will vote according to their will, exercising their freedom of speech while maintaining the nation’s dignity and the respect of all communities.”
The Muslim body made it clear that the community would not forgive Hossain for tarnishing its image with his statements.
“No true Hindu will destroy a mosque, and no true Muslim will destroy a temple. No religion supports terrorism. Tofazzal Hossain must apologize for his unfounded, baseless comments. The Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind condemns his statements, which have tarnished the reputation of the Muslim community, his party, and the Legislative Assembly. The community will not forgive him. Numerous individuals have already condemned his remarks,” Rahman concluded.
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