Senior Samajwadi Party leader and former Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister Azam Khan has issued a significant message to the Muslim community from prison, while khan, who is currently serving a sentence, has called for observing the upcoming festival of Eid-ul-Fitr with simplicity and mourning. This message was made public by Samajwadi Party leader Yusuf Malik, who recently met Azam Khan in jail. The appeal is centered around the loss of lives, particularly children, in the conflict involving Iran.
The Message from Jail and Yusuf Malik's Statement
Yusuf Malik informed the media that he, along with Azam Khan's wife Dr. Tazeen Fatima, met the veteran leader for approximately one hour in prison. During this meeting, Khan conveyed a message intended for the Muslim community regarding the upcoming religious festivities. According to Malik, Azam Khan has requested that people refrain from wearing new clothes this Eid and instead opt for black attire, while he further suggested that those unable to wear black clothing should at least tie a black band on their arms as a sign of protest and mourning.
Mourning the Death of Children in Iran
The core of Azam Khan's message focuses on the casualties reported in Iran. Yusuf Malik stated that Khan expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of innocent children amidst the tensions involving Israel and Iran. He urged the community not to engage in loud celebrations or laughter this Eid, but rather to share the grief of the families who have lost their children. The appeal is framed as a gesture of international humanitarian solidarity against the loss of young lives in conflict zones.
Legal Background of the Dual PAN Card Case
Azam Khan and his son, Abdullah Azam, are currently incarcerated following their conviction in a case involving the possession of dual PAN cards. The legal proceedings began in 2019 after BJP leader Akash Saxena filed a complaint alleging that Abdullah Azam possessed two PAN cards with different birth dates. Following a detailed trial, the MP-MLA court found Azam Khan, his wife Tazeen Fatima, and their son Abdullah Azam guilty, sentencing them to seven years of imprisonment. While Tazeen Fatima has received relief in some matters, Azam Khan and his son continue to serve their sentences.
Political Legacy and Current Incarceration
Azam Khan has been a prominent figure in Uttar Pradesh politics for decades. As a founding member of the Samajwadi Party, he wielded significant influence and was considered a close confidant of the late Mulayam Singh Yadav, while representing the Rampur constituency, he served as an MLA and MP multiple times and held key portfolios in the state cabinet. However, since 2017, he has faced a series of legal challenges, with numerous cases registered against him ranging from land encroachment to fraud. These legal battles have led to his prolonged stay in various correctional facilities.
Prison Visit and Family's Legal Struggle
The meeting in jail highlighted the ongoing legal and personal struggles of the Khan family. Dr. Tazeen Fatima and Yusuf Malik discussed various legal aspects and Khan's well-being during their hour-long visit. Despite being behind bars, Khan continues to follow international developments, as evidenced by his recent appeal regarding the situation in Iran. The message regarding Eid celebrations reflects his continued engagement with social and communal issues even while serving his prison term. The family continues to pursue legal remedies in the multiple cases pending against them in various courts.