INTRODUCTION
The whole world today is fighting an invisible enemy. An enemy so lethal that even the most developed countries who used to bolster about there healthcare facilities and quality of life have no option available other than to wait for the storm to pass by. Yet amidst all of this fascinatingly India stands in a way better position and till now could have easily contained the transmission of corona if it was not for the Markaz cluster transmission explosion.When the authorities were strictly making the citizens follow social distancing norms a massive gathering of more than 90000 had assembled in Nizammudin Markaz as part of their annual congregation.This was in spite of the fact the Delhi government and Central government had issued a restrictions against any form of religious or political gathering. However what was more hazardous was the fact that the Jamati’s who were tested positive traveled to different parts of the county from Kashmir to down south and Assam to Arunachal Pradesh .Thus establishing a chain of transmission across the country. However the big picture which we have to analyse is the role of religion and religious teachers at a time of humanitarian crisis or does all of this reeks of a greater conspiracy against India.
CONNECTING THE DOTS
In the past few days I have seen many people connecting the Jamaat issue with Islamophobia. You might have been termed communal if you would have criticized the Jammat. However one thing which is extremely important to clarify is the fact that it has nothing to do with Islam. Rather it deals with the callousness and ignorance of an organisation and a stubborn religious leader whose influence has created havoc across the country. It is simply treason at a time when the humanity is fighting against a bio hazard .This blunder has caused major fatalities across the region . And even if this would have taken in a temple or a church the anger would have been the same.If the masses were Islamophobic then why was Kanika Kapoor criticized by the same.
Before commenting about the core issue it is imperative to understand the Jamaat . Tableegi Jamaat is an organisation which was established to encourage people to follow Islam as it used to be during the times of Prophet Mohammad. The Jamaat was founded by Mohammad Illyas at a time when the Muslim political hegemony was collapsing in India.While the organisation terms itself as a peaceful organisation yet many countries have banned the organisation as the termed the organisations orthodox ideology as extremist.The organisation have direct links with the Deobandi movement and many of its followers have been actively involved terror related incidents.One of the recent examples being Rizwaan Farook. The French intelligence even went to the extent of calling it an ‘Antechamber of extremism’.In a nutshell the organisation may not be as moral as it portrays itself to be.
WHY CRITICISM ?
Maulana Saad the head or the regulator of the organisation termed Corona as a conspiracy against Muslims and told the followers that at this time only way they can save there lives is by praying to the almighty in the mosque and even if they are sick they should remain at mosque and die here only. This level of ignorance of the head of an extremely influential organisation proved to be very costly and its not just India but large congregations have been held in some neighboring countries around the same time. After the incident took place many Jamaatis who were in contact with corona positive fled to different parts of the country. In spite of regular requests by the authorities many are still hiding across the country further increasing the chain of transmission. The situation is so bad that the Himachal Police invoked murder charges upon any Jamaati hiding in the state . The traversing of Jamatis have trans mutated the situation and further escalated the curve in India. Apart from there have been many incidents of misbehavior by the quarantined individuals associated with the organisation in isolation centers.
THE GODFATHER
Statistically till now 30 percent of cases across the country are linked to Jamaat. In Delhi the National Capital around 65 percent of cases are linked to Markaz. In states which were initially corona free had a major influx of cases due to traversal of individuals. So just think about the position India would have been if it would have not been for this Markaz super spread. However there are two important things which raises eyebrows.
1. FUNDING OF THE PROGRAM AND VISA
The enforcement directorate has filed charges of Hawala against Maulana Saad . Before the congregation there was a large amount which was transferred in Jamaats account from unverified sources.Which very clearly establishes the fact that there were external powers who were stimulating this amount. It also raises questions about the fact whether Jamaat intentionally spreaded this virus as a part of controversy. Apart from this questions have also been raised regarding approval of tourist visas by MHA to foreigners. The MHA has also blacklisted around 900 foreigners who participated in the event.
THE ROHINGYA LINK
One of the most surprising findings have been that many Rohingyas also participated in the congregation and not just that they also visited Shaheen bagh. In 2017 Joint Secretary of MHA issued an advisory where illegally immigrating Rohingyas were termed as a national security threats. Rohingya muslims had to flee Mayanmar after the Mayanmar Army and Buddhists burned there homes due to religious tensions in the region.Thereafter ARSA was created which has been operating in Arakan region of Mayanmar .However what increases threat level is the fact that the involvement of Rohingyas with Jamaat might meen that the Rohingyas living in India are being targeted for recruitment.At the same time the concern of spread remains the same.
CONCLUSION
I once again highlight the title as it is really not about targeting a particular religion but we have to talk about the fact that such nefarious elements are hurting our fight against COVID – 19. In spite of whatever happened India still sits in a better position as compared to the world. We are in a position to contain this pandemic .However it is imperative that such incidents are not repeated now and we have to deal with the hiding Jamatis harshly. Yet the truth awaiting us regarding this incident might be more shocking however its important to wait for the investigation to get completed
Geopolitical Matrix 