Protest over Assam riots turns violent in Mumbai

The protest by several Muslim organisations at Mumbai's Azad Maidan against the recent riots in Assam and alleged attacks on Muslims in Myanmar turned violent on Saturday.

The protesters set on fire an OB (Outside Broadcast) van of a Hindi news channel.

The protests, led by Raza Academy, an organisation working to promote Islamic culture, were supported by other organisations like Sunni Jamaitul Ulma and Jamate Raza-e-Mustafa.

Earlier, sporting black badges, hundreds of members and activists of these organisations, converged at the Azad Maidan and expressed concern over the alleged massacre of the Muslim community.

Maulana Syed Moinuddin Ashraf, president of Jamia Qadriya Ashrafiya, urged the Central and State governments to intervene. “It is the responsibility of the Congress government to protect the Muslims, and for that matter each and every citizen," said the Maulana, who is also known as Moin Miyan.

"With regards to the massacre in Myanmar, we understand it is an external problem and that certainly should be taken care of, but what is happening in Assam reflects on the state of affairs of the country," he added.

"A large number of Muslims have been rendered homeless and are now living in camps," said Raza Academy chairman Saeed Noorie. They have already written to the government of Myanmar, the United Nations, the International Human Rights Organisation, Organisation of Islamic Countries, President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime MinisterManmohan Singh to highlight the massacre of Muslims in Myanmar.

- Asian Tribune -