UTTAR PRADESH: The committee that visited the state from August 4 to 7, 2005 found ‘‘all pervasive presence of an inferiority complex and sense of insecurity among the Muslims’’ that it has already brought to the notice of Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav.

It observed:

• Adverse impact of economic liberalisation on the traditional occupations of Muslims—brass and wood work, lock industry in Aligarh, power looms etc.

• Urgent intervention of the UP government needed in preventing ‘‘the disturbing practice of child marriages, which is the cause for high mortality rate among the Muslims in the state.’’

• UP is ‘‘serene and peaceful and there is communal harmony and amity,’’ despite UP being a centre ‘‘of many a controversy relating to the demolition of Babri Masjid and Ayodhya issue.’’

When contacted, Yaqoob Qureshi, UP Minister for Haj and Minority Welfare, said: ‘‘Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav is known for his determination to improve the lots of the Muslims and other weaker sections of the society. But we get little help from the UPA government which swears by secularism. We have appraised HRD Minister Arjun Singh of the immense problem the madarsa teachers are facing and the need to upgrade the curriculum in madarsas. But sadly, no response. After the Sachar committee brought to the fore the problem faced by the Muslims engaged in traditional occupations, we are chalking out a plan to help them.’’

KARNATAKA: The committee called for ‘‘government efforts in enhancing the Muslim participation in panchayat raj institutions and the civic and municipal bodies.’’

... contd.