President of Tanzeem Hum Hindustani Mohammed Quaiser addresses the gathering as Dr. Misbah Ul Arfine, President of Indian Research Scientist Association, Kaunain Shahedi, M.A. Rasool and Mirza Azmathullah Baig look on. — Courtesy photo RIYADH — Tanzeem Hum Hindustani (THH), a non commercial organization working for the welfare of non-resident Indians, organized an open debate on one of the most highly-anticipated upcoming elections in India. A large number of representatives from various organizations in the capital attended the debate. Mohammed Quaiser, president of THH, welcomed the gathering. He expressed concern over the election campaign adopted by communal forces to attract innocent voters to grab power. Quaiser said due to false propaganda with the help of some sections of the media these leaders damage Indian brotherhood, composite culture and traditional spirit. Quaiser also expressed his concern in case BJP's “Mission 272” succeeds. He expected the communal forces in power will destroy the constitution of India which guarantees equality, justice, fraternity and secularism. Shamim Khan, president Deccan Cultural Association, said its a tragedy that there is no honest leadership available to protect the rights of minorities in India. He emphasized the need to adopt a right strategy to defeat the communal forces. Nizamuddin Shaikh, former convenor Milli Forum, said in a message that minorities specially should vote tactically without putting all eggs in one basket. Obaidur Rahman, joint convener Miili Forum & Chairman Biswas, said India is a secular country and it is our prime duty to make sure all act to protect its secular character. Dr. Ozair Ghazi, a veteran doctor, said that india is at a crossroads at present due to communal parties spreading false propaganda and there is no strong party to counter it. He said we have to focus on the youth of India as they are 35 percent of the voters in this election. Architect M. A. R. Saleem, president Hindustani Bazm e Urdu Riyadh, said this is very crucial election and in order to defeat the communal forces a seat wise scrutiny has to be done and support non communal candidates in this election. He also said that social media has to be utilized for quick publicity and propagation. Sohail Ahmed, president Indian Engineer Forum Riyadh, said in a short span of time we have to start messaging directly and through media, social sites to voters back home to choose properly. Dr. Mukhtar Khan, president Biswas, said we have to mobilize the voter first to cast their votes without any excuse then a right and non-communal candidate has to choosen. Wasi Hyder Razvi, former president AMUOBA, said that a consensus has to be created among the communities and try to unite them on secularism to fight the communal forces. Akhtarul Islam Siddiqui, president Middle East NRI Association, said the prime and basic need is to create awareness among the voters. Siddiqui also said the awareness is the main tool to defeat the communal forces. He said we have to choose the candidates who can protect national harmony, integration and rights of all communities. Naseem Ahmed, vice president AMUOBA Riyadh, said a long term solution has to be chalked out with appealing strategy to save India from the fire of commuanalism. Kaunain Shahidi, Jamia Millia Islamia Old Boys, said the present situation call for the adoption of a tactical voting policy to protect and save India and its values. Rahman Shareef, president Bazm E Shab e Deccan, Kaleem Farooqui Pinar and others also participated. Mirza Azmathullah Baig, joint secretary of THH, thanked the audience and participants. — SG
