A delegation led by Human Chain President Er. Mohammad Aslam Alig met honorable President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee on 18th February 2016 on the issue of Minority Character of Aligarh Muslim University, and Jamia Millia Islamia. Delegation comprising prominent Social Activist, Academicians and Journalists from the Minority Community drew the attention of Shri Pranab Mukherjee regarding present Union Govt.’s stand, as expressed by the Attorney General before the Supreme Court on 11 Jan 2016, of not supporting the Minority character of the Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh and withdrawing the appeal filed by the UPA Govt. against the HC judgment of 2006. Delegation discussed that according to AMU Amendment Act -1981, Section 2(L), “University” means the educational institution of their choice established by the Muslims of India which originated as the Mohammadan Anglo Oriental College, Aligarh and which was subsequently incorporated as the Aligarh Muslim University.
Er. Mohammad Aslam- President Human Chain urged that the stand of NDA Govt. also amounts to denying the minorities of their fundamental rights and goes against the declared policy of the Prime Minister “Sabka Sath – Sabka Vikas” as without the educational advancement of Muslims, development of minorities will remain a distant dream. As also the backwardness of the largest minority in India adversely affects progress of the Nation. He also raised the issue of funds for all three AMU centers, especially AMU-Kishanganj center.
Mr. Tauqueer Alam Jamei – Vice President Human Chain urged that minority character of AMU and JMI is not only a matter of education but also an advancement of the socially, economically backward section of Indian society, especially Muslims, hence please take all necessary steps to safeguard the Minority status of AMU and JMI.
Dr. Mubashshir Hussain – General Secretary Human Chain said the Union government in 1981 passed the AMU (Amendment) Act, saying that it was established by the Muslims of India. Why the present NDA Govt. is not considering AMU and JMI as a minority institution. Shri Pranab Mukherjee expressed his positive concern and said that he is well aware about the issue of Minority Character of AMU and JMI and he would take necessary step to restore the minority character of Aligarh Muslim University and Jamia Millia Islamia. He also gave assurance of releasing fund for all three AMU centers. The other members of the delegation were Abid Anwar, Nadeem Akhtar and Intekhab Alam.
