SKSM seeks to revoke ban on scholar Dr. Zakir Naik ; puts off event by 2 months

SKSM seeks to revoke ban on scholar Dr. Zakir Naik ; puts off event by 2 months

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Dec 30, 2015: The South Karnataka Salafi Movement (SKSM) has informed that the programme of  Islamic scholar Dr. Zakir Naik which was scheduled to be held  in the city on January 2, has been put off by two months as per the advice of State Home Minister Dr G Parameshwari. The SKSM  which has deplored the week-long ban on the entry of Dr Naik to Mangaluru, has demanded that the ban order  issued by City Police Commissioner be revoked.

 

 

Speaking to reporters here on December 30, Wednesday Ismail Shafi, Vice President of SKSM  has described the ban on Dr Zakir Naik’s programme as a violation of the Constitutional right of freedom of religion of the Muslim  Community. Also describing it as tantamount to disrespecting Islam,  Shafi said the Dr Zakir Naik was scheduled to address a peace meet on January 2.

On the postponement of the programme, Shafi said a delegation of the SKSM had met  the Home Minister  in Bengaluru on December 28 when the Minister made a request to put off the programme. Even DK District in-charge Minister was present, he added.

 On allegations that Dr Zakir Naik would have delivered provocative speech if he was permitted in Mangaluru, Shafi said "Dr Naik is a scholar who is well versed with holy books of not only Islam, but also Hinduism and Christianity." "He has been awarded by several nations including Malaysia, Saudi Arabia dn Dubai and  he tries to promote harmony between different religions  through clear analysis of religious books,"Shafi added.

Taking exception to what he termed the false complaints filed against Dr Zakir Naik, Shafi said  miscreants had used morphed videos of his speeches to lodge the complaint. "Dr Naik never received a court notice or arrest warrant," he said.

 On Britain barring entry of Zakir Naik, he said it was a temporary  ban and also referred to the case of  Prime Minister  Modi who  prior to becoming the Prime Minister was not allowed to visit US.

SKSM Secretary Basheer Ahmed Shalimar, Reception Committee Convenor T M Haneef Chokkabettu were also present.