PATNA: For some time past high-ranking Government officials have been asking the Muslims to offer no cow sacrifices during the forthcoming Bakrid festival as proof of their sincerity towards the Hindus, says Mr Syed Abdul Aziz, an ex-member of the All-India Muslim League Working Committee and the oldest living Muslim leader in Bihar in a Press statement. Suggesting that if the Government and the Hindus give effective assurance that such a step would really restore peace and order, the Muslims should make the sporting gesture. Mr Aziz asks in apparent exasperation what would be the list of things which if complied with would establish Muslim allegiance towards the state and would save them from being treated as traitors and fifth columnists.

Mr Aziz says: “If I have been able to study the situation correctly I do not think even if the Muslims gave up cow slaughter the Hindus or the Government would be convinced of their sincerity and loyalty. I appeal to my Muslim brethren, all the same, to remain faithful and not do any such things as may [aggravate] the feelings of their neighbours.” Concluding Mr Aziz appeals to the Muslims not to become panicky and leave the province [out of] nervousness. — Correspondent

Published in Dawn, September 30th, 2022