(S.Ravi Seshu)
The controversial Islamic preacher Dr.Zakir Naik believes that the five-year ban on his Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) is timed with the ‘demonetisation fiasco’ in a bid to avert resistance and divert media attention.
In an open letter released on Friday from undisclosed location abroad, the 51-year-old Naik termed the ban as an attack on “muslims, peace, democracy and justice” and declared that he would pursue all legal options to get the ban repealed.
Naik has been booked along with unnamed IRF officials under section 153-A of IPC (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony) beside various sections of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).
“This must be the most unique ban to be applied in the history of India, because not a single time was I questioned or given a chance to explain. Not a single chance. No notice, no summons, no calls and no contact ever made with me to get my side of the story. I kept offering my help in investigation but it wasn’t taken. The entire investigation was completed without any agency asking me a single question about my so called ‘wrongdoings,” he observed.
“Before investigations were done, even before reports submitted, the ban was already decided. IRF was to be banned. Whether it was owing to my religion or some other reason, does not matter. What now matters is that my work of 25 years – completely lawful work – has been banned. And that is the most unfortunate thing for this country,” Naik said in his letter.
“From the government’s point of view, the timing itself could not have been better. The decision to ban IRF was taken in the middle of the demonetisation fiasco, as the country reeled under the self-imposed cash crunch. I won’t be surprised if this ban was meant to distract media from what was going on in the country. For the public that is starved for cash, for trade and basic amenities, one cannot expect much of resistance,” he stated.
He added: “Let us not be gullible to think this was just an attack on me. It is an attack on whom I represent, the Indian Muslims. It is an attack on peace, democracy and justice. I will pursue all legal options to repeal this ban.”
Dr.Naik urged Muslim brothers and sisters in India to rely on Allah alone, unafraid of this vicious campaign against them.
