Sambalpur: Communal Harmony Can Be Preserved If Cow Slaughter is Banned; Senior Congress Leader Asaf Ali Khan Urges Muslim Community

Senior Congress Leader Urges Muslim Community to Act

Sambalpur: Senior Congress leader Asaf Ali Khan has called upon the Muslim community to completely stop cow slaughter, stating that it is one of the primary reasons for communal tensions in Sambalpur. He shared his views on social media (Facebook), emphasizing the need for harmony.

Praise for Hindu Community’s Iftar Invitation

Asaf Ali Khan appreciated the Hindu shopkeepers’ association in the Sambalpur Bus Stand area for organizing an Iftar party, where they respectfully invited members of the Muslim community. He praised this gesture, highlighting that such acts strengthen communal brotherhood.

Concerns Over Growing Communal Clashes

Expressing concern, he said, “For the past few years, communal tensions have increased in Sambalpur, especially during festivals. My religion, Islam, never permits hurting the religious sentiments of others. The Quran teaches us to remain loyal to our motherland and sacrifice everything if needed.” He urged intellectuals and the Muslim community to deeply analyze the reasons behind communal violence rather than blaming the administration or political parties.

Hindu Sentiments Must Be Respected

Asaf Ali Khan, identifying himself as a devout Muslim and responsible Indian citizen, acknowledged that Sambalpur’s Muslim population is around 5%. He pointed out that during Hanuman Jayanti, if slogans are raised near mosques, it might be upsetting. However, he questioned why such incidents have increased in recent years and attributed the primary reason to cow slaughter.

Majority of Hindus Want Peace, But Feel Hurt

He noted that around 85% of Sambalpur’s population follows Hinduism, and most of them support peace and harmony. However, when their religious beliefs are repeatedly hurt, they feel agitated. “For Hindus, the cow is considered a mother. If we continue to justify cow slaughter by citing laws in other states or statistics on beef consumption in India, it will only harm the chances of communal harmony in Sambalpur.”

A Call to End Illegal Activities

Asaf Ali Khan strongly opposed illegal cow slaughter, stating that a few people are using it for personal gains. He urged the Muslim community to unite and ensure that such unlawful activities are stopped. “If we, as Muslims, give a guarantee to our Hindu brothers that illegal cow slaughter will not happen, peace and communal harmony will prevail in Sambalpur.”

Proposal for Religious Discussions

To address this critical issue, he suggested organizing a religious gathering where representatives from all communities could come together and find a solution. He believes this would help in fostering understanding and strengthening social harmony.

By taking these steps, Asaf Ali Khan believes that Sambalpur can become a model city where all religious communities coexist peacefully.