CAIR-NJ, IAMC Welcome Legislators’ Condemnation of Bulldozer at India Day Parade
(SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ) – The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations and Indian American Muslim Council today welcomed Assemblyman Raj Mukherji, Senator Vin Gopal, Assemblywoman Shama Haider, Assemblywoman Sadaf Jaffer, and Assemblywoman Ellen Park’s joint statement condemning the use of a bulldozer at the India Independence Day parade in Edison, NJ.
“The bulldozer – which has unfortunately become a symbol of division and hate based on reports of celebrations of Muslim homes being demolished – has cast a shadow over the parade and distressed New Jersey’s vibrant Indian Muslim community and others,” their statement read.
In a statement, IAMC President Mohammed Jawad said:
“The unequivocal rejection of the bulldozer parade from these Assembly people comes as a relief.
“The tone-deaf decision of the Indian Business Association and the Overseas Friends of the BJP to bring a bulldozer to what was meant to be a celebration of pride has unfortunately injected India’s partisan and supremacist politics into our peace-loving communities in Edison.
“The presence of an Indian hate-mongering politician Sambit Patra at the parade means the use of the bulldozer was not accidental or an oversight but was wholly intentional. As a hate event, it has traumatized the Indian Muslim community in Edison.”
In a statement, CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut said:
“We appreciate the elected officials’ joint condemnation of this deliberately hateful incident.
“In the future, we are hopeful that such condemnations will come without hesitancy and in the immediate aftermath of such incidents.
“This goes beyond a parade. Indian Muslims in Edison and Woodbridge have reported tensions and expressed fear of harassment and discrimination, and many are concerned about future implications. We must stand up to Hindu nationalism and hatred of all sorts without delay.”
SEE: Edison community divided regarding bulldozer used in Indian Day parade seen by some as Islamophobic
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut, 908-267-3119, smaksut@cair.com.
