JDU Leader Calls For 'Muslim Safety Act', Says He Stands By 'Karbala' Remark

JDU MLC Gulam Rasool Balyavi defended his 'har shehar ko karbala bana denge' statement and called for a "Muslim safety act" to be brought for the community's safety.

Janata Dal (United) leader Gulam Rasool Balyavi defended his 'har shehar ko Karbala bana denge' (will turn every city into Karbala) statement saying that 'Karbala' refers to sacrificing everything for the sake of humanity and brotherhood. He said people from the Muslim community are being kept behind bars after being labelled as terrorists and called for a "Muslim safety act" to be brought for the community's safety.

"I admit that I said we will turn (cities) into Karbala and I stand by it. Karbala is to give away everything, sacrifice everything, but not let humanity and brotherhood be sacrificed," Gulam Rasool Balyavi told the news agency ANI.

"At this time, in the country, our children are being picked up and kept behind bars for 18-20 years after being labelled as terrorists. If our children go out to protest, they are shot at. Muslim safety act should be brought for the protection of Muslims' rights," the JD(U) leader added.

JDU MLC Balyavi delivered the controversial remarks on Thursday in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand. Taking a dig at expelled BJP leader Nupur Sharma, he said: "If you put your hand on the honour of my Aaka (referring to Prophet)...We have gathered at Karbala Maidan and for his respect, we will turn cities into Karbala."

He further alleged that no party calling itself secular demanded Nupur Sharma's arrest. 

At the rally, he called for a Muslim safety act along the lines of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

"Safety Act should be made for the safety of Muslims like Dalits. We should have participation in power. Our children should get employment. Dowry should end," he said.