Leaders oppose inclusion of Dalit Muslims in SCs list

The demand of the Mylapore Archbishop George Antonysamy to include Dalit Muslims along with Dalit Christians in the list of Scheduled Castes has evoked disapproval from Muslim leaders, who pointed out that “Islam does not recognise caste divisions.”

“When someone becomes a Muslim they are part of an ocean. Islam does not differentiate people based on their caste,” said former MP and Indian Union Muslim League leader Kader Mohideen.

He said the demand of the Muslims in the country was 10 per cent exclusive reservation as recommended by the Justice Ranganath Mishra Commission. “Economically, educationally and socially, Muslims across the country are identified as a backward community. Including Muslims in the list of SCs is not acceptable to us since it will amount to acknowledging casteism in Islam,” Mr. Kader Mohideen said.

Muslims are placed under Backward Classes in the country, and in Tamil Nadu Muslims enjoy 3.5 per cent exclusive reservation, The Hindu reported.

“It was achieved during the DMK government by grouping together various Muslim sects like Leppai, Takhni, Mapla and Maraikkayar, since reservation based on religion is not allowed,” said Mr. Kader Mohideen.

As per para 3 of the 1950 Presidential order, “No person who professes a religion different from the Hindu, Sikh or Buddhist religion shall be deemed to be a member of Scheduled Caste.”

Although agreed that “all identities disappear under Islam”’, social aspects should be taken into consideration in the case of reservation, Manithaneya Makkal Katchi leader M.H. Jawahirullah said. Muslims are enjoying reservation not on the basis of religion but on their social status. They are part of the Backward Classes. Dalits converted to Sikhism and Buddhism have been given SC status,” he said.

S. Samsudeen Kasmi, Chief Imam of the Makka Mosque, also strongly objected to branding Muslims based on their community. “Other religions may continue to recognise a convert’s caste and allow them to hold the title of the community. Islam does not allow the practice,” he said.