Council of Indian Muslims (UK)

Advocate Shahid Azmi’s brutal and cowardly murder is an attack on India’s democratic system and its judiciary and the Pune blast may also be the handy work of the same forces that were involved in Mr Azmi’s assassination, a condolence meeting organised by Council of Indian Muslims—UK (CIM) was told last night.

Mr Azmi, 32, known for the highest number of acquittals of Muslims implicated in false cases and detained under terrorism laws, was gunned down Thursday while only two days later, Saturday, a powerful bomb blast in Pune killed nine people and injured several others.

Attendees prayed for Mr Azmi and the victims of Pune attack and demanded the Indian Government to institute an independent inquiry into both the cases.

Addressing the meeting CIM’s General Secretary Mr Salim Patel said, “Both incidents are highly deplorable and appear to be acts designed to thrust India into anarchy. Indications that law enforcement agencies might themselves be involved in Shahid Azmi’s murder are far more alarming than any other aspect of the incident. Whoever is behind the assassination of this young, self-made and efficient lawyer has deprived the community of a worthy advocate.”

Mr Patel also said, “One wonders if the Pune blast is also the work of those who were behind Mr Azmi’s assassination to divert everyone’s attention from their crime.

“Every human being is precious. Our thoughts go out to Advocate Shahid Azmi’s parents and the victims and sufferers or Pune blast. We pray to the Almighty to give courage and perseverance to the survivors to bear these tragedies.”

The meeting attended by CIM members was addressed by several representatives of the community.