New Delhi, March 27: Congress MP Imran Masood on Thursday strongly condemned the controversial remarks made by Sambhal Circle Officer (CO) Anuj Chaudhary, who suggested that those who want to serve ‘Sewaiyan’ on Eid must also eat ‘Gujia’ on Holi.

Imran Masood dismissed Chaudhary’s comments, calling him a “foolish officer, lacking intellect.”

He added, “Hatred cannot exist in society. Only love should prevail. There is no problem in eating Gujiya. And anyone who has an issue with eating Gujiya, I feel ashamed of it. We should live together with love.”

Masood emphasised that such statements only promote division and are detrimental to societal harmony.

After his previous remark on Holi, Chaudhary said during a Peace Committee meeting on Wednesday, “If you want to serve Sewaiyan on Eid, you must also eat Gujiya on Holi.”

He emphasised mutual respect, stating, “They should eat Gujiya, and we should eat Sewaiyan. But the problem arises when one side is willing and the other is not. This is where brotherhood breaks down, and that should not happen.”

The controversy escalated when the Sambhal administration issued a ban on offering Namaz on roads or rooftops.

Addressing this issue, Imran Masood remarked, “Where is the need for legal action in this? Even Muslims should understand this. The roads belong to the government. If the government is saying not to offer Namaz on the road, then don’t offer Namaz there. But will you impose a ban on Namaz itself?”

Masood raised concerns over the imposition of restrictions on religious practices in public spaces, questioning whether this would unnecessarily create conflict.

Masood also addressed the recent resolution passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, calling on governments across India to clarify their positions on the matter.

He said, “Just as Tamil Nadu passed this resolution, all governments working for Muslim community and its support must clarify their stance. West Bengal should also consider it, Bihar should also, and all governments should support it. Especially Nitish Kumar Ji and Chandrababu Naidu should clarify their stand.”

Chennai, March 27: The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Thursday unanimously passed a resolution urging the Union government to withdraw the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, citing concerns that it undermines the interests of Muslims in the country.

While all major political parties, including the AIADMK, supported the resolution, the BJP staged a walk-out ahead of the vote.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who moved the resolution, said the Indian Constitution guarantees all religious groups the right to practice and preserve their faith, and it is the duty of a democratically-elected government to uphold these rights.

He expressed strong opposition to the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act, 1954, stating that they would severely impact Muslim minorities.

CM Stalin further noted that DMK representatives A. Raja and M.M. Abdullah, who are members of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), were not allowed to voice their opinions on the proposed changes during committee discussions.

In a display of democratic courtesy, CM Stalin also requested Speaker M. Appavu to allow BJP leader Vanathi Srinivasan to express her views on the matter.

He added that the DMK has consistently upheld democratic values by allowing Opposition voices to be heard in the Assembly.

Speaking in defence of the Bill, Vanathi Srinivasan said the Centre had decided to amend the Waqf Act following numerous complaints regarding irregularities in the management of Waqf properties across various states.

She maintained that the Bill aims to protect the interests of the “backward sections” of the Muslim community and to ensure better representation for women.

However, Tamil Nadu Law Minister, S. Regupathy, countered her claims, stating that the views of certain JPC members were ignored during discussions.

He further described the Waqf Amendment Bill as an “economic assault” on the Muslim community.

PMK leader G.K. Mani said the Bill should only proceed if the Union government is able to build a consensus among all stakeholders.

AIADMK member S.P. Velumani also voiced support for the resolution, adding to the united front against the Bill.

The Assembly concluded by reiterating its demand that the Union government fully withdraw the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024.

Imphal, March 27: The Manipur Police have arrested six militants of different outfits and seized a cache of arms and ammunition, officials said here on Thursday.

The police also seized drugs worth Rs 3.15 crore and arrested three smugglers, the officials said.

A police official said that two cadres of the proscribed outfit People’s Liberation Army (PLA) were arrested from Imphal West district on Wednesday night.

Two more militants of People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) (Pro) outfit and an active member of Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) were arrested from Imphal East district.

The police also arrested a militant of the Koireng-led United National Liberation Front (UNLF-K) from Tengnoupal district.

The arrested militants were involved in abduction, forcible collection of money from traders, officials, contractors, and issuing threat notices to people.

Several two-wheelers, mobile sets, sharp-edged weapons, incriminating documents and various other materials were recovered from the militants.

Manipur Police arrested three drug peddlers from Imphal East district and recovered 10.5 kg of heroin valued at Rs 3.15 crore from their possession.

The drugs, suspected to be smuggled from Myanmar, were contained in 880 soap cases.

A car in which the smugglers were travelling was also seized.

Manipur has around 400 km of unfenced border with Myanmar.

The police also recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, including AK series rifles and Self-Loading Rifles, from Imphal East and Kakching districts.

On Wednesday, five militants were arrested and a cache of arms and ammunition was seized in Manipur.

The militants of the banned United National Liberation Front (Koireng faction) were identified as Thongam Ronaldo Singh (26) and Khuraijam Micheal Singh (28).

Manipur Police arrested three drug peddlers who were involved in the transportation of drugs along National Highway-02 (Imphal to Senapati district) in Imphal West district on Tuesday night.

Police recovered 5.5 kg of heroin valued at Rs two crore from their possession.