The Assam Assembly’s recent decision to end the two-hour break on Fridays for Muslim legislators to offer ‘Namaaz’ has sparked controversy. Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah expressed concern, emphasizing the importance of protecting all religions in India. The decision, made with unanimous support from both Hindu and Muslim MLAs, has faced criticism from several political leaders, who accuse the Assam government of attempting to marginalize Muslims.
BulletsIn
- The Assam Assembly ended the practice of a two-hour break on Fridays for Muslim legislators to offer ‘Namaaz’.
- The practice was initially introduced in 1937 by Saadulah’s Muslim League government in colonial Assam.
- Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that the decision was unanimously made by Hindu and Muslim MLAs in the Malas Rule Committee.
- Farooq Abdullah, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, criticized the decision, urging the protection of all religions in India.
- Abdullah emphasized India’s unity in diversity and the need to maintain its federal structure.
- The amended rule will now have the Assam Assembly commence its proceedings at 9:30 am every day, including Fridays.
- Critics argue that the move is an attempt to marginalize the Muslim community in Assam.
- Former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav condemned the decision, accusing the Assam Chief Minister of seeking “cheap popularity.”
- Samajwadi Party leader ST Hassan claimed that Chief Minister Sarma’s policies are divisive and harmful to Muslims.
- The Assam government stated that the amendment was made to eliminate a colonial-era practice that aimed to divide society based on religion.
