Statues have been the focal point of expressing human emotions in the country by different social and religious groups but they are repeatedly being turned into controversies by different groups. A little known organisation, Awami Majlis-e-Amal in the city has now threatened to remove six statues of Muslim personalities, including former President APJ Abdul Kalam and sixth Nizam Mir Mahboob Ali Khan, that are installed at various places citing religious beliefs.

“Our religion forbids installing statues and we have communicated this to successive governments asking them to remove them. We do not distinguish between personalities and will not hesitate to break and throw them into Tank Bund if the authorities do not take them out,” Mujahed Hashmi, general secretary, Awami Majlis-e-Amal Telangana, said.

There are six statues of Muslim personalities at different places in Telangana, the oldest among them is the bronze statue of Mir Yousuf Ali Khan popular known as Salar Jung III which is installed at Salar Jung Museum.

Three other statues — Qutb Shahi ruler Abdul Hasan Tana Shah, popularly known as Tanashah; well known poet, Maqdoom Mohiuddin and sixth Nizam Mahboob Ali Khan — are installed at Tank Bund.

The organisation also wanted the statue of Kalam which was recently unveiled at a defence institution – Research Centre Imarat and the one of Nawab Ali Nawaz Jung, which was installed last year on the Jala Soudha office premises removed immediately.

“By installing statues, the government cannot please Muslims. It should name educational institutions and hospitals after them if it has respect for them,” Md. Amanullah Khan, president of the organisation, said. He said a massive movement would be launched if the statues are not removed before the local municipal elections.

Telangana Dy. CM

stands firm

Maulana Haseeb-ul-Hassan, general secretary, Sunni-Ulema- Board Hyderabad, explained that, “Islam prohibits putting up statues and displaying photos or paintings of people. Idol worship is also forbidden in the religion.”

Telangana Deputy Chief Minister, Mohammed Mahmood Ali however said that the statues were installed by successive governments owing to public demand.

“The government cannot go by religious beliefs of any particular community. We are installing statues of people to recognise their contribution to society irrespective of their caste or religion. Even in Islamic countries you find statues of Muslim personalities, so what is wrong in having in the city,” Mr. Mahmood said.

In Islam, there is no sanction for them, says Awami Majlis-e-Amal