Govt draws flak on Muslim burial ground
Minorities panel issues ultimatum
HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, JUNE 8
Pulling up the State government for failing in its statutory duty and constitutional obligation to allot suitable land for a Muslim kabrastan in Margao, the National Commission for Minorities has directed the Goa government to complete the process of acquisition of suitable land for a burial ground within a maximum period of six months in any or all circumstances.
After hearing the petitioner Abdulmatin Daud Carol, general secretary, Madrasa Raza-a-Mustafa, Masjid Goasiya Ahle Sunnatul Jamat, Goa, and the State government, the commission has concluded that it is not only a clear case of communal discrimination against the Muslim minority community, but also a categorical case of harassment and illegal deprivation on one pretext or the other by the State government.
“The State government has failed completely to carry out its statutory duty and constitutional obligations for allotment of suitable land for the Muslim kabrastan even after passing of a resolution in the legislative assembly way back in 1999”, the commission asserted.
The commission said it is the primary duty of any State government not only to protect the constitutional rights of minorities in the State, but also to safeguard their interests and rights on a priority basis, apart from taking positive measures for their development and advancement so as to bring them in the mainstream of society.
The commission also expressed its extreme displeasure for not replying to its six letters written by the chairperson to the Goa chief minister and the Chief secretary, adding that the State government did not even have the courtesy to at least acknowledge the letters of the chairperson.
The commission has directed the State government to make available all records as and when desired by the petitioner and also to start acquisition of land forthwith under urgency clause on top most priority for allotment of the same for the Muslim kabrastan. The government has been directed to keep the commission informed of the developments of the case from time to time.
Meanwhile, the commission has said the government may take immediate steps to strengthen and improve the condition of the existing burial ground.
On the land acquisition for the proposed kabrastan, the commission has asked the Goa government to submit report of actions taken and progress in the matter necessarily by the 25th of every month on a regular basis till the conclusion of the case.
In case, the monthly progress report of the Goa government is not received by the commission by the 25th day of the month, the chief secretary has been directed to appear before the Commission in person during the very next week to explain the reasons for not submitting the report in time and also to apprise the commission of the progress and development of the case.
