Like several other cities, Hyderabad too is on the terror list. Besides, it is a known fact that it has a strong network of homegrown organisations such as SIMI. Now, the city’s Muslim community — often the target of hate after terror attacks — has started a movement to wean its youth away from radical ideology and transform the image of the minority community.

To begin with, study centres — mushrooming along side religious institutions where Muslim youth congregate in large numbers — are holding seminars, lectures and workshops for disillusioned youth. Those coming to these centres are informed about the Constitution, law, human rights and how they can fight democratically, in case wronged. Moreover, organisations like the All India Mujlis Tameer-e-Millat have started monitoring activities of young Muslim men and women and warning their parents whenever they are found straying. Intellectuals like Prof Rehana Sultana are involving young women and housewives to sensitise them about how the men in their family could get involved with “wrong” people. 

The introspection and the urgent need to prevent youth from flirting with terror groups arose last year after blasts at Mecca Masjid, Lumbini Park and Gokul Chat House rocked the city. Though these cases have not been cracked, the suspected involvement of locals forced the community to look within. In fact, after the blasts in Bangalore and Ahmedabad, community leaders went about inquiring if any youngster was missing.

“We want to ensure that our youth do not get involved in terror activites. There are so many disillusioned youth who are nursing radical thoughts or are symphathetic to terror elements. Through various activities we are preventing them from going the wrong way,” said Rahim Qureshi, president of the Mujlis Tameer-e-Millat. “At the study centres, discussions are initiated that are aimed at assuaging their feelings and clearing misconceptions,” added Qureshi, who is also general secretary of All India Muslim Personal Law Board.

... contd.