UNCLAS MUMBAI 000200

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL PTER PHUM IN
SUBJECT: RESPONSE TO ULEMA COUNCIL - ACTION REQUEST

REF: 2004 Mumbai 816



1. (SBU) On January 15, 2005, ConGen Mumbai received a letter
from Maulana Mehmood Daryabadi, General Secretary for the All
India Ulema Council. The letter requested that the USG allow
members of the All India Ulema Council to lead and organize a
delegation in coordination with other Islamic Organizations to
supervise the Iraq Elections. Their goal is to submit a report
to the Organization of Islamic Conference and the United
Nations. This an action request: see paragraph five.


2. (U) The All India Ulema Council is a self-appointed
organization which claims to be the religious leadership of
Indian Muslims. It tries to include all sub-sects of Indian
Muslims; however, the majority members of the Council are
Deoband Sunnis (an Islamic school of jurisprudence).
Ninety-five percent of Indian Muslims are Sunnis. CG has met
with the group in the past (reftel) to discuss Iraq, and while
the group clearly had concerns, the Ulema representatives were
cordial and prepared to engage in dialogue.


3. (U) Below is the text of the All India Ulema Council letter.

Begin text:

The United States of America's status as an occupying power and
it's reasoning of war with Iraq is yet to find acceptance in the
International Community. Iraq is preparing for a General
Election, these election (sic) are historic and will bring about
major changes in Iraq.

Iraq has great importance in the Islamic World as many of our
importance (sic) shrines are in Iraq. We, Indian Muslims are
the second largest population of Muslims in the world. And in
our capacity we feel it's our duty and responsibility to convey
our opinion on such an important issue to the world.

As citizens of India we are accustomed to democracy which has
its roots with the people of the country. No election in the
world has led so much bloodshed as Iraq elections have. Iraq
needs democracy which will bring peace to Iraq and not more
violence. We need to groom democracy and not impose, the world
is watching this event and any fallout which is not just to the
people of Iraq will not be forgotten.

We demand:
Indian Muslim Ulema's and Intellectuals be allowed to supervise
the Iraq Elections as Observers and submit its report to
Organisation of Islamic Conference and United Nations.

All India Ulema Council can lead and organize a delegation in
co-ordination with other Islamic Organisations in India.

We understand that for such an initiative we need to get an
approval from the Occupying Power i.e. United States of America
and the Iraqi Election Commission. We have begun this exercise
by writing to your good office and expect that our demand will
be forwarded to the authorities concerned including the White
House.

End text.


4. (SBU) ConGen proposes sending a letter to the General
Secretary for the All India Ulema Council in response.

SIPDIS

Begin text:

Thank you for your recent letter requesting permission to
monitor the upcoming Iraqi elections. However, sovereignty in
Iraq is vested in the Iraqi Governing Council and the Iraqi
people. If you are interested in monitoring the elections, you
may wish to contact the Iraqi Governing Council and request
permission from them directly.

End text.


5. (U) Post requests authorization to send the above to the All
India Ulema Council. Post also request clearance on language
and content.