CAIR-NJ Welcomes Edison Council Member’s, Woodbridge NAACP, BLM Denunciations of Islamophobic India Parade Bulldozer

(SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ) – The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) yesterday joined the Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) and other partner organizations in a press conference at the Edison Municipal Building calling for New Jersey elected officials to rebuke the offensive use of a bulldozer at the India Independence Day parade in Edison and Woodbridge, N.J.

CAIR-NJ also called on local leadership to rebuke the primary organizer of the parade, the Indian Business Association (IBA) seek apologies from them.

SEE PRESS CONFEENCE: CAIR-NJ Press Conference

SEE ALSO: Bulldozer used in Edison’s India Independence Day Parade seen as Islamophobic 

In a statement, Perth Amboy Area Branch NAACP President Rev. Donna Stewart said:

“The Perth Amboy Area Branch NAACP firmly stands with CAIR-NJ, the Indian American Muslim Council, Hindus for Human Rights, and all other organizations that have denounced this act of hatred against our Muslim community members. We call on Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac to join us in condemning Islamophobia, and to commit to begin working with the NAACP towards antiracism policy in Woodbridge Township.”

In a statement, CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut said:

“We welcome the strong condemnations offered by Councilmembers Harris, Ship-Freeman, and many others yesterday evening during the town council meeting. Ajay Patil’s dismissal of the issue is of great concern. It should not be difficult to condemn the parading of symbols of violence and hatred in your own town.   

“We are further disappointed in mayor Joshi, mayor McCormac, and local officials who have yet to unequivocal condemn the use of the bulldozer–a symbol of violence and anti-Muslim animus. We continue our call on the IBA for an apology.”  

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, 908-267-3119smaksut@cair.com