New Delhi: The Indian Union Muslim League has opposed the moves for drafting of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and demanded withdrawal of armed forces special powers act (AFSPA) from Jammu and Kashmir.
The National Executive of the party, which met here on Thursday, passed resolutions on the issues while critically examining policies and actions of the BJP-led government at the Center.
Patron leader of IUML, Panakkad Sayed Hyderali Shihab Thangal criticized the government's reference of the UCC issue to the Law Commission and said the Code was against the Constitutional principles.
"Every citizen has the right to practice and preach any religion according to the Constitution. Muslim community is the most targeted in India.
"The latest form of attack is the call for Uniform Civil Code. There is a hidden agenda behind this to divide people on the basis of religion and caste," Thangal said.
The IUML also took note of the plight of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and demanded the withdrawal of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from the trouble-ridden state.
"The people are suffering between the regular stoning and firing in the state for last few days. Armed forces are using the special powers of AFSPA against the people," party general secretary E.T. Mohammed Basheer said.
'ISIS is anti-Islam'
Taking a strong note of terrorism worldwide, IUML termed ISIS as anti-Islam.
"ISIS is not Islam. It is anti-Islam. The term Islamic terror is wrong. We stand for peace and love. That is our religion. Terrorism must be treated from the root itself," Basheer added.
The League also said that Muslim youth are being targeted in the country and the state is charging false cases against them.
"Youths charged with false cases are acquitted after a prolonged court trial which destroys their whole life. They must be compensated for this witch-hunting," Basheer told reporters after the executive meet.
Demanding counseling for the youth in Kerala from being brainwashed and radicalized, IUML also pressed for a thorough probe into the episode of youth missing from Kerala, who are suspected to have joined the IS.
The party also lashed out at the NDA government and said Islamic preacher Zakir Naik is being targeted by a section of media even after the Maharashtra investigating agency failed to find any evidence against him.
"Stories are fabricated against Zakir Naik and others. Maharashtra probe agency couldn't find any connection with ISIS or failed to establish that he inspired any terror activities. He is being hunted," Basheer said.
(With agency inputs)