'Quit notice ' against Bodos draws criticism. Times of India 20-08-2012

SILCHAR: Two Muslim organizations including All Assam Imam Parishad (AAIP) and Muslim Youth Students Association (MYSA) which issued an “ultimatum” to the Bodos living in Barak Valley districts to “leave the valley within August 25 or face consequences,” have drawn sharp criticism from various quarters and even from within the organizations. AAIP Karimganj district committee president Moulana Abdul Warish said the statement made by the working president of the organization, Abdul Basit, against the Bodos was not that of AAIP. The issue was never discussed in the executive committee of AAIP and no one authorized the functionary to talk to the media on the subject. Therefore, Basit has been expelled from the organization, he said. Warish added they are going to address the situation and condition of Muslims in lower Assam areas, including BTAD, in a democratic manner. No such “ultimatum” has been issued against the Bodos living here, he said. However, the “fatwa” pronounced by a section of functionaries of AAIP and MYSA at a press conference at Asimganj in Karimganj district on Friday created a sense of fear among the small populace of Bodos living in Barak Valley.