The Deoband Declaration on Terrorism: Why Now?

I think there has always been a divergence of views between Debandis in India and Deobandi-offshoots in Pakistan. I remember in 2001 prior to 911, when the leader of Indian Deoband Maulana Marghoob visited Pakistan for a Deobandi conference, he openly criticized the Taleban for destroying Buddha carvings in Bamian. This criticism was not welcomed by Maulana Fazlur Rahmman of JUI in Pakistan. The Indian Muslims at the time were cognizant of the fact that they could not criticize the destruction of Babri Masjid while at the same time turn a blind eye to the destruction of Buddha statues. Don't forget that Maulana Husain Ahmad Madani of Deoband and the pre-independence JUI-Hind were supporters of a united India and collaborated with Congress rather than the Muslim League. The Muslim League was mainly supported by secular Muslims in its quest for Pakistan. About the only notable Maulana that openly supported Pakistan Muslim League was Maulana Shabbir Ahmad Usmani who became the leader of JUI-Pakistan. He was clearly a small minority among the Indian ulema. The Indian ulema have always been pro-united India and continue to believe in peaceful co-existence with non-Muslims as taught by Islam.
Riaz Haq, PakAlumni Worldwide

Nicely written yet speculative commentary. The conference only restates the position of Islamic rulings and thoughts of those concerned on the issue of terrorism, for the general understanding of specially those who are not literate on the position of Islamic rulings that discourage violence and violent acts committed in the name of Islam and commonly observed in today's world while blamed on the faith of Islam and it's followers in a stereotype effort.

yar sahranpuri most indian muslims want to live and let live...they are mostly trying to get better just like most hindus or sikhs or jains. there is no plan of red fort etc. incidentlly are you in paper trade (being sahranpuri an all..).. i personally know a lot of indian muslims and while they are indeed struggling withe the affliction of religion (just like hindoos or jains or sikhs) they are thinking folks . some even do yoga and meditation..go figure.

IMO at this point in time indian non-muslims and indian muslims do not have differing aspirations.

Look#2:

Indian Muslims do have choices and they are exercising it, this is why the Congress is worried. In the post-babri masjid period, Muslims have been voting strategically on a constituency basis to vote for the Candidate with the best chance of defeating the BJP candidate. This will continue. The best Congress can hope for is for Muslims to vote for it when the choice is between non-bjp candidates.

saharanpuri:

I don't think that any Indian Muslim is thinking of flying green flag atop the red fort. All they want is to able to exercise the rights guaranteed to them in the Indian constitution; nothing more, nothing less.

Bloc voting is not limited to muslims, various castes and other groups do it as well. Even in the US democratic primaries, blacks are voting en bloc for obama and hispanics for Hilary. It's all part of democracy.

I believe there's a general sentiment among India's Muslims to want the Union to work. What other choice is there? This is also what gives the Congress its strenght. They know(always have known) we have no other option but to coexist peacefully.
And, any good action should be commended, regardless of the motive.

Hindus in India forget their castes only at the time of riots.India is now indirectly ruled by the Muslims.Their tactical voting n huge multiplication in population resulting in huge vote bank selects the party in power .Its only a matter of time before they directly rule India.