Is the Uttarkashi Cloudburst a Natural Disaster or a Communal Issue?
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Synopsis
In the wake of the Uttarkashi cloudburst, All India Muslim Jamaat President Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi urges unity and compassion. He denounces attempts to politicize the tragedy with communal narratives, emphasizing that natural disasters transcend religious boundaries.
Key Takeaways
- Uttarkashi cloudburst is a natural disaster.
- Criticism of framing tragedies within a religious context.
- Call for unity and compassion during crises.
- Natural disasters affect all communities equally.
- Importance of responsible discourse in times of hardship.
Bareilly, Aug 9 (NationPress) - Criticizing Samajwadi Party leader S.T. Hasan for his controversial comments regarding the Uttarkashi cloudburst, All India Muslim Jamaat National President Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi stated that the event is a natural disaster and should not be politicized with a Hindu-Muslim narrative.
In an interview with IANS, Maulana Razvi Barelvi remarked, “What transpired in Uttarkhand’s Uttarkashi is a calamity and a natural disaster. Such occurrences, sadly, happen from time to time. Associating them with any religion is entirely misguided. What S.T. Hasan expressed is merely foolishness.”
He emphasized the importance of compassion and unity during such dire situations, rather than indulging in communal narratives.
“We must hope that such tragedies do not repeat themselves. Our prayers should be for the safety and recovery of all impacted. Framing it within a Hindu-Muslim context, as S.T. Hasan has done, insinuating it is a consequence of minority discrimination in the area, is categorically wrong. No responsible individual would endorse such a perspective,” he asserted.
The Maulana further stated, “Natural disasters do not discriminate. The unpredictability of when or where a disaster will strike is beyond our control. Imbuing it with a religious interpretation only exacerbates divisions and diverts attention from the critical issues at hand. This moment calls for unity, not division.”
His comments were a direct response to S.T. Hasan, a former Samajwadi Party MP, who ignited controversy by suggesting that the cloudburst in Uttarkashi was linked to religious discrimination.
Hasan had noted, “We remain uncertain about how many individuals are still trapped beneath the rubble. It’s heart-wrenching. A complete village has been swept away. Previously, we did not experience such rainfall. Why are such calamities occurring? We must contemplate. Our deforestation is excessive.”
He further commented, “In Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, other religions are not being honored. Bulldozers must not be employed on dargahs or temples. It’s preferable to evacuate such sites peacefully.”
Point of View
It is imperative to approach this incident with a balanced perspective. While the tragedy in Uttarkashi warrants empathy, it is essential to reject any attempts to frame it within a communal context. Our focus should remain on the victims and the need for collective recovery efforts, rather than divisive rhetoric.
NationPress
30/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the response to S.T. Hasan's remarks on the Uttarkashi cloudburst?
Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi criticized Hasan for linking the cloudburst to religion, emphasizing that it is a natural disaster.
What does Maulana Razvi suggest should be the focus during such disasters?
He advocates for compassion and unity rather than creating communal narratives.
What is the significance of the Uttarkashi incident according to Maulana Razvi?
He believes it highlights the need for collective support and unity, as natural calamities affect everyone regardless of religion.
