US embassy cable - 05MUMBAI200

UNCLAS MUMBAI 000200 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV, PREL, PTER, PHUM, IN, India-Iraq, Human Rights 
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.