A seminar on determining the response to terrorism by the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind on Sunday saw members blaming the media for the unfair portrayal and harassment by the authorities of members of a particular community.
The two-day seminar, 'Terrorism, causes and remedies', that is expected to be a forum for soul-searching, will discuss issues related with enforcement agencies, media and politicians.
Protesting against frequent aspersions cast on madarassa as 'dens of terrorism', Jamia Ashrafia (UP) rector Maulana Abdul Hafeez said it was unfair to typecast all members in one mould.
He said, "Just as Punjabis got linked to terrorism in the wake of the Khalistan movement, why is it that Muslims as a whole are labelled as terrorists?"
Firing another salvo on the media, BSP MP Ilyas Azmi said that a Muslim should be treated as a Muslim and not as a terrorist. He added that the media should change their perception.
While JUH members reluctantly admitted that there was a communication gap with the mainstream media, they also pointed out that often their attempts to reach out were stymied.
Several members demanded a legal framework to prevent the "trial by media" and vilification of those accused in terror attacks.
Responding to the demand for laws to curb the freedom of press, information and broadcasting minister P R Dasmunsi said that no purpose would be served by simply introducing new laws.
"We cannot blame the entire media. There are responsible media professionals also," he said. He added that since India was a growing economic powerhouse, attempts were being made to spread terrorism and split the two communities at the same time.
Media professionals, including film-maker Mahesh Bhatt, and social activist Teesta Setalvad were sympathetic to the grievances of the community but felt that more needed to be done.
Striking a middle-path, Setalvad said that while media professionals should report with due diligence, it was also true that "victims" often became obsessed by their "victimhood".
"We need to realise that there are other victims besides ourselves and not become obsessed by victimhood," she said. 'Muslims unfairly portrayed by media'.
The two-day seminar, 'Terrorism, causes and remedies', that is expected to be a forum for soul-searching, will discuss issues related with enforcement agencies, media and politicians.
Protesting against frequent aspersions cast on madarassa as 'dens of terrorism', Jamia Ashrafia (UP) rector Maulana Abdul Hafeez said it was unfair to typecast all members in one mould.
He said, "Just as Punjabis got linked to terrorism in the wake of the Khalistan movement, why is it that Muslims as a whole are labelled as terrorists?"
Firing another salvo on the media, BSP MP Ilyas Azmi said that a Muslim should be treated as a Muslim and not as a terrorist. He added that the media should change their perception.
While JUH members reluctantly admitted that there was a communication gap with the mainstream media, they also pointed out that often their attempts to reach out were stymied.
Several members demanded a legal framework to prevent the "trial by media" and vilification of those accused in terror attacks.
Responding to the demand for laws to curb the freedom of press, information and broadcasting minister P R Dasmunsi said that no purpose would be served by simply introducing new laws.
"We cannot blame the entire media. There are responsible media professionals also," he said. He added that since India was a growing economic powerhouse, attempts were being made to spread terrorism and split the two communities at the same time.
Media professionals, including film-maker Mahesh Bhatt, and social activist Teesta Setalvad were sympathetic to the grievances of the community but felt that more needed to be done.
Striking a middle-path, Setalvad said that while media professionals should report with due diligence, it was also true that "victims" often became obsessed by their "victimhood".
"We need to realise that there are other victims besides ourselves and not become obsessed by victimhood," she said. 'Muslims unfairly portrayed by media'.
