Iran-Israel war: India must mediate for restoring peace: says Grand Mufti Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad
Kozhikode: The Grand Mufti of India, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad (commonly known as A.P. Ustad), has called for global unity against the expansion of war, emphasizing the urgent need for collective resistance to violence and conflict.
He was speaking at a special prayer gathering held at the Markaz campus, where he led the congregation in prayers for peace.
Condemning Israel’s actions in West Asia, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad stated that the steps taken by the Netanyahu-led government are inhumane and a threat to global stability. “The expansion of war will have serious consequences not just for the region, but for the entire world, including India,” he said.
He criticized Israel for ignoring international agreements and humanitarian values, calling it a matter of shame for the modern world. “The world must not remain silent when human lives are at stake,” he added.
Highlighting the direct impact of the conflict on India, he said that West Asia is home to lakhs of Indian migrant workers. “Any instability in the region affects their lives and livelihoods. Hence, India has a direct stake in ensuring peace,” he explained.
He urged India to adopt a responsible stance by promoting peace and avoiding any escalation of conflict. “Given India’s strong diplomatic relations with both Israel and Iran, it is in a unique position to mediate and help bring both sides to the negotiation table,” he said.
Sheikh Abubakr further stated that India should play a more active role in peace restoration efforts, particularly in Gaza, where innocent lives continue to suffer amid ongoing violence.
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Hundreds fall ill after suspected sewage contamination in Jaipur locality
Jaipur (PTI): Hundreds of residents of the Sushilpura area here have fallen ill over the last week, allegedly due to sewage contamination of the drinking water supply, sparking a health scare.
Several residents have reported similar symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, nausea, and fever, with children and the elderly among the worst affected. Locals claim the crisis has impacted nearly every household, forcing many to rely on water tankers or buy packaged drinking water.
Pooran Mal Kumawat, a resident, said his family has been unwell for several days.
"We have all been suffering from diarrhoea and weakness. My wife even had to take injections," he said.
Another resident, Janki Saini, said the situation has become increasingly difficult. "All three of my children are suffering from stomach pain and fever, and we are arranging water from outside," she said.
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Jagdish Sahu, who has spent thousands of rupees on medical treatment so far, highlighted the financial burden caused by the crisis.
"My mother and I are unwell, and I had to take my son for treatment. We are buying water daily, which is adding to our expenses," he said.
According to the residents, the problem began after road construction work in the area allegedly damaged underground pipelines, leading to sewage mixing with drinking water. Overflowing drains and broken streets have further worsened conditions, they said.
Dr Anil Mehta, in charge of a nearby government dispensary, said over 150 patients with similar symptoms have been treated in the last three days alone. Private practitioners in the area have also reported a surge in such cases.
Civil Lines MLA Gopal Sharma, who visited the area multiple times following protests by residents, said efforts were underway to resolve the issue.
"The government and administration are working hard to find a permanent solution at the earliest, and officials have been directed to restore the clean water supply," he said.
Sharma added that teams from the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) and the health department have been deployed, and relief measures such as the distribution of medicines and water supply arrangements are being carried out.
However, former Congress MLA Pratap Singh Khachariyawas alleged negligence on the part of the authorities and questioned the decision to undertake road work.
"If the road was in good condition, why was it dug up? Damage to sewer and water lines due to such work has led to this crisis," he said, warning of protests if the issue is not resolved soon.
Residents, meanwhile, said tanker supply remains inadequate despite assurances, and contaminated water continues to be used for non-drinking purposes.
Authorities said efforts are on to repair damaged pipelines and ensure safe drinking water, even as the health department continues to monitor the situation closely.
