Shah Aijaz CNI
A one-day Muslim-Sikh Unity Conference was held at the India Islamic Cultural Centre (IICC) on Sunday, bringing together hundreds of participants from across the country to discuss the importance of
solidarity among minority communities in India.The event, which celebrated the historical legacy of Malerkotla, also marked the formal launch of the Combined Movement for the
Constitutional Rights of the Minorities (CMCRM), a nationwide initiative dedicated to protecting the constitutional rights and guarantees of minorities, particularly Muslims and Sikhs.Several prominent speakers, including socio-political activists, legal experts, writers, and religious scholars, highlighted the urgency of
strengthening unity among minority communities amid rising right-wing Hindutva politics, which they argued has led to the erosion of minority
rights.Former Jathedar Sardar Giyani Kewal Singh was the chief guest, while Moulana Obaidullah Khan Azmi, President of the Muslim Personal Law Board (MPLB) and former Member of Parliament, presided over the conference. Other notable
speakers included Advocate Sharafuddin, Adv Manoj Singh Duhan, Sardar Paramjit Singh Sarna, Aslam Sher Khan (former Olympian and cabinet minister), Dr. Naseer Akhter, Muhammad Wazir
Ansari (ex-DGP, Chhattisgarh), Paramjit Singh Gazi, Moulana Hassan Firdousi, Ajaypal Singh Brar, Bibi Satvir Kour, and Captain Gumman Singh.Speakers stressed the importance of upholding the constitutional framework that guarantees religious freedom and equal rights to all communities.
They also called for a stronger alliance between Muslims and Sikhs to collectively address issues of discrimination, injustice, and communal harmony.The India Islamic Cultural Centre (IICC), where the event was held, has long been a platform for fostering interfaith dialogue and national integration.
The conference concluded with a resolution urging the government to take concrete steps to protect minority rights and uphold the secular principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution.The launch of CMCRM is expected to galvanize further efforts in advocating for the rights of minorities in India, with future initiatives and collaborations planned across different states.