Manipur Muslims slam Sena MP over force-feeding incident

IMPHAL: Prominent Muslim organizations of Manipur on Thursday condemned Shiv Sena MP from Thane Rajan Vichare for allegedly force-feeding a fasting Muslim catering supervisor at Maharashtra Sadan in New Delhi. Joining the chorus of condemnations across the country, the organizations demanded strong action against the MP.

Complaining about the poor catering service at Maharashtra Sadan, the MP allegedly pushed a chapatti into Arshad Zubair S's mouth, breaking his Ramzan fast. "Forcing food on a Muslim during Ramzan is unfortunate and condemnable. It disrespects Islam and the minority community," said Manipur Muslim Council (MCM), a prominent Imphal-based body of the community.

"We extend moral support to any movement against the MP. His uncultured and blasphemous behavior is a serious threat to secularism," the council's secretary Haji Arafat Ali said. MCM said it would write to Shiva Sena through its Manipur unit leaders and seek action against the MP.

Joining the tirade, Anjuman Islahi Muasharah (AIH), Lilong, said the MP's conduct insulted the Muslim community. "He is not fit to be an MP as he has no respect for other religions. He should resign. The Shiv Sena leadership should take action against him," said AIH's coordinator Alhaj Moulana Muheiyuddin Mazahiri.

"We are also planning to write to the National Minority Commission for necessary legal action against the offensive MP," he added.