National security issues : Muslim speakers call for greater inclusion of community

New Delhi: Speakers at a conference hosted by a Muslim students' organisation in Delhi on Sunday called for greater inclusion of the community in matters related to national security.

The Muslim Students Organisation of India (MSOI) hosted the day-long conference to appeal for strengthening of the national security policy.

Syed Muhammad Qadri, the chief speaker at the conference and former MSO president, lamented what he said was a wrong perception being created of Muslims.

"A perception is being created in the country most of the time that Indian Muslims are not responsible citizens, whereas our claim is that the inclusion of Muslims in the national security policy will be an accurate assessment of the role of Muslim youth towards national unity.

"Why do we need to join the ISIS or other organisations? Our ideal is not Osama Bin Laden but Khwaja Garib Nawaz and will continue to be till eternity," he said.

Qadri urged youngsters present at the programme to fight the forces involved in weakening the nation and be inspired by the sacrifices made by people during the freedom struggle.

Shahnawaz Ahmad Malik Warsi of Aligarh Muslim University, Kerala centre, said the challenges facing human rights and social justice in the country are being taken seriously in society.

"Making Muslims and Dalit community an unnecessary target of hatred and communalism is a matter of concern. Efforts should be made to maintain social harmony and to discuss Sufi spiritual experiments designed for this purpose," he added.

Shujaat Ali Qadri, MSOI president, said the Indian Muslim youth, majority of which belong to the Sufi community, have undying love and respect for the country.