People's Democracy

Asghar Ali Engineer Condoled

The following is the condolence message sent by Sitaram Yechury, Polit Bureau member of the CPI(M) to the family members of Asghar Ali Engineer on May 15, 2013

I EXPRESS my heartfelt condolences at the death of Asghar Ali Engineer a pre-eminent fighter upholding the secular democratic foundations of the Indian Republic who had fought tirelessly against religious fundamentalism. Engineer dedicated his entire life combating communalism and helping riot victims. He tried to reform his community from 'within' and was subjected to social boycott, which he had faced bravely. He stood for gender justice and women's rights, particularly the rights of Muslim women.

Engineer was a writer/activist who wrote and worked extensively for inter-community harmony and had countered the arguments of Hindutva forces that sought to typecast Muslims and Islam. His death is a loss to all the forces fighting communalism and religious fundamentalism. I convey my deep condolences to his family members and large following of sympathisers.