Young Muslims are being detained illegally: Pawar

MUMBAI: Ahead of elections of major municipal corporations in Maharashtra, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar was seen trying to tap the unrest

MUMBAI: Ahead of elections of major municipal corporations in Maharashtra, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar was seen trying to tap the unrest among Muslims and dalit community.

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Pawar on Tuesday said Muslim youths are illegally detained on charges of terrorism, even though he could not see the impact of ISIS, a terrorist organisation, in the state.

He slammed the state’s proposed internal security act and wondered whether the BJP government wanted to impose “Emergency” in the state.

The NCP leader claimed many instances of illegal detention of Muslim youths have come to light, especially in Marathwada. “I believe linking religion with terrorism is unfair,” Pawar said.

He said a delegation of 28 non-political Muslim organisations met him in Aurangabad two days ago and requested him to intervene into the matter. “I am considering discussing the issue with senior leaders from all like-minded political parties and then bring it to the notice of the PM,” Pawar said at the party headquarters. “I don’t want to make it a political issue, but want a national-level discussion,” he said.

Pawar also backtracked from his remarks on Atrocities Act. “I had said the misuse of the law (Prevention Of Atrocities Act, 1989) should not be allowed,” he said.

CM Devendra Fadnavis said no youths were detained illegally. “Whatever Pawar ji is speaking against the ATS, is based on incorrect information. We will send him the correct facts and figures,” he said.