India : Denying residence to Muslims in housing societies

via indianMuslims : 

Television Actor Aamir Ali has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Bombay High Court after he was refused a house in Lokhandwala, because of his religion. The court has asked the state government to respond in four weeks.

Apart from the problem Muslims face, it is also an unhealthy trend for the nation when communities stay aloof from each other and their interaction gets minimal. As a result people get more prejudiced and communal. The issue warrants serious attention and a national debate is needed.

It is undoubtedly a colossal task for Muslims to get a house, either buying a flat in a society or renting a house, in most cities in the country. The link to the story is here.

In most cities, people generally prefer person belonging to their community or caste while giving their house on rent. This is a person’s right and we can’t contest it. Sometimes if the Muslim family has a deeper pocket then they may get the house.

But in Mumbai the situation is even more alarming. Even money can’t get you the house in certain localities. Hundreds of housing societies have this unwritten rule, ‘Non-vegetarians (euphemism for Muslims) are not allowed’.

This form of discrimination should not be tolerated and action can be taken as per the provisions of Cooperative Socities’ Act. At least, the warnings can be issued. Social activists should take up the issue.

Each person can play a role. We should open arms to person belonging to the other community and surely there will be reciprocation.

Simply blaming others for communalim won’t help. And all of us must introspect how biased we are about the person belonging to other caste, region or community.

tags: india  muslims  politics  

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