Imams back campaign for 'Harit Pradesh'

By Our Special correspondent

NEW DELHI, AUG. 18. The Union Agriculture Minister, Mr. Ajit Singh's campaign for `Harit Pradesh', a separate State to be carved out of the 22 districts of western Uttar Pradesh, appears to be gathering momentum with the All-India Imam Association, an influential body of Muslim clerics, today pledging support to him.

The support appears to have come at an opportune moment since Mr. Singh was facing criticism from a section of his supporters, particularly those belonging to the minority community, for deciding to ally with the BJP. Important Muslim leaders had decided to part ways with him on the issue.

The association president, Mr. Sajid Rashidi, at a press conference said the demand for a separate State ``has the support of all sections of society in western UP and must be conceded''.

He urged the Minister to voice Muslims' concern over attempts to ``paint'' all the religious institutions of the community as ``breeding grounds for terrorists''. He hoped the Minister would speak to the NDA Government on this.

The Imams promised to support Mr. Ajit Singh in the coming Assembly elections and hinted that they could even consider fielding some candidates.

Mr. Singh sought to convey the impression that his decision to join the NDA had the support of even the Muslims in western U.P. ``My party, the Lok Dal, has never compromised on important issues such as secularism and has always stood for all sections of society.''

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