(UPDATE NO 3)
Since the communal troubles started in Gujarat, the Office bearers and the Secretariat have kept in touch with the jamaats and community leaders in India. We have contacted the Council of Gujarat, Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar, Mahuva and the Kutch Federation including Bhuj, Kera, Mundra and Nagalpur.
In several towns in Kathiawad, members of our community have lost their homes, businesses and factories through arson attacks. Most of our community in Bhavnagar have had to abandon their homes and take shelter in safer localities.
This morning, 6th of March, the Secretariat received a call from the Executive Councillor of the World Federation, Al Haj Aunalibhai Salehmohamed and the President of Bhavnagar Jamaat, Al Haj Ramzanbhai Asaria. They informed us that the situation of our community in Bhavnagar has turned for the worst as more businesses and homes were broken into and looted and, in some cases, burnt down. The majority affected are small family businesses and workers who are now unemployed and without shelter. Almost 200 families from outlying areas of Bhavnagar among them women, infirm and children are sheltered in the mosque and Imambada of Bhavnagar. Similar numbers are looked after by families living in Ambachowk, Bhavnagar. These families are now homeless, destitute, and frightened of their lives – refugees in their own towns. Bhavnagar Jamaat is doing everything possible within their limited resources and has provided food parcels and monetary assistance. A full report is being prepared and continually appraised and will be sent to the Secretariat of the WF within the next two days.
In Ahmedabad, when the curfew was lifted for a few hours, the youth of Ahmedabad quickly mobilised to send relief rations to families all over Ahmedabad. These families are daily wage earners and have lost means to earn their livelihood. 210 families were identified and helped through Sarkhej Jamaat. Each family was given food ration.
At present the best we can all do is to continue to pray for the safety of all mumineen. You are requested to remember the afflicted families in your prayers. We shall keep you posted of developments.
SECRETARIAT
6th March 2002
(UPDATE NO 2)
On Monday, March 4, the President of
the World Federation received another status report form the President of
Bhavnagar Jamaat, Haji Ramazan Asaria.
Our Community in Bhavnagar appears to be the worst affected, with looting and
destruction of businesses and homes. There have sporadic incidents in some of
the neighboring villages. For the past few days, some 1200 people have been
given shelter in the Imambargah in Bhavnagar. The situation has calmed down and
the people are now asked to return to their homes.
A full report of the damage and the losses is being prepared and will be sent to
the Secretariat. The World Federation has assured the momineen of its full
support.
Reports coming from Ahmedabad inform us that the situation within the city of
Ahmedabad is also calming down and assessment of the damage will soon be
conducted.
In the meanwhile, the Word Federation has sent letters of concern to Indian
Embassies in the UK and USA, and is liaising with other organizations like the
American Federation of Muslims of Indian Origin in their efforts at lobbying on
behalf of the Muslims in India.
We request Mumineen all over the world to pray for their safety in these times
of crisis. We pray to Allah (s.w.t.) to protect the dignity and property of all
Muslims in the region, Amen.
Secretariat
AHMEDABAD
Reports coming from Ahmedabad inform us that the riotous situation within the
city of Ahmedabad as well as other parts of Gujarat is getting worse.
The World Federation is in constant touch with Mumineen there and is informed
that a few shops belonging to members of our Community have been looted and
destroyed, but so far there has not been any fatality within the community or
injury reported.
We pray to Allah (s.w.t.) to protect the dignity and property of all Muslims in
the region, Amen.
Mumineen in Ahmedabad have specifically requested Mumineen all over the world to
pray for their safety in these times of crisis.
MADAGASCAR
In another part of the world, there has been martial law declared in Madagascar.
The World Federation Secretariat has been in touch with Mumineen there and has
received assurances that all Mumineen are safe and they hope some peaceful
outcome will develop shortly. Once again, they have urged all Mumineen to
remember them in their prayers.
The Secretariat will continue to update all members worldwide on the status of
our members in these parts of the world.
Please do remember the mumineen of Gujarat and of Madagascar in your prayers.
With Salaams and Duas,
Secretariat
World Federation
01 March 2002