Islamic preacher Zakir Naik was elected to the managing body of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), in category of religious scholar, in 2013 and his name was cleared as he was largely considered a non-controversial figure, varsity officials said on Sunday.
Naik has come under scanner after it was reported that Dhaka attackers were allegedly inspired by his speeches.
The officials also pointed out that Naik did not attend any subsequent meetings of the University Court and in fact had not paid a visit to AMU ever since his election.
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The 180-odd strong AMU Court, includes prominent Muslims from different walks of life and there are categories like, prominent professionals, educationists and religious scholars.Rahat Abrar, member in-charge of Public Relations AMU and Director of Urdu Academy at AMU
“There is not even a remote possibility of any official patronage to such radical schools of thought at AMU,” he added.
Secretary of the AMU Teachers Association (AMUTA) Mustafa Zaidi said:
At the time in which Naik was elected to the AMU Court, his overwhelming image was that of a Muslim preacher who championed the cause of inter religious understanding.
Zaida added that they would want action to also be taken against all others who preach religious hatred and intolerance.
If we are really serious about curbing religious hatred in the country, then similar punitive action should be initiated against Hindutva proponents, who are occupying high offices in the present BJP-led government and are yet indulging in spreading religious hatred. There can be no double standards in dealing with religious hatred or ideologies which breed terrorism in the country.Mustafa Zaidi
(With PTI inputs.)
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