Don't use Muslims to stem Telangana movement, Sonia warned

The Civil Liberties Monitoring Committee in Telangana has written to Congress chief Sonia Gandhi warning her party against using Muslims to suppress the Telangana movement. Furthermore, they state that stopping the march for Telangana could worsen the situation.

"Under these circumstances any untoward incident may take place from any side. You are well-ware of all these situations both from intelligence and your own sources. It is highly condemnable that even after knowing all this you have become a silent spectator. As a responsible leader it is not suitable for you to do so! Because at this moment to divert the attention from Telangana issue is selfish and communal elements of any political party may take advantage and create communal violence in the city of Hyderabad. It is largely believed that the state and your own party are trying to create violence and communal colour may be given to it," the letter states.

"Jagga Reddy, an MLA of your party and government whip in the state Assembly, has openly said that a Muslim political party is a hurdle in the formation of Telangana. These types of statements may provoke the sentiments of Telangana people and ultimately the common Muslims may become the target of anger," the letter reads.

"Because of this, fear has developed among the Muslim community that once again they are going to become victims of regional politics."

"At this high time we want to draw your attention to this sensitive issue which is related to the sentiments of Telangana people as well as the life and liberty of Muslims."

"It is your responsibility to act promptly and decisively and direct the state government of AP not to play dirty politics with the people of Telangana, especially Muslims. You take the decision as per your party policy but here we warn you not to use name of Muslims to suppress the Telangana movement," the letter states.