This year marks the 11th anniversary of the destruction of the Babri Mosque in UP, India.

The process of cultivating hatred against Muslims in Gujarat and elsewhere continues despite efforts by some politicians to seek a more reconciliary position on the part of Indian polititcians.

We do not know what Mr Modi (Chief Minister of Gujarat State, India) said to collegeues in those meetings or conversations but it appears that the Modi machine goes on as though he has been given political comfort in the UK by a few individuals. He would have taken away from the UK a cushion giving him more confidence to go about his business as usual because some colleagues appear to have given him the oxeygen of publicity, as indeed some sections of the Indian press have claimed.

We understand post Modi's visit to the UK, arbitary arrests and harrassment is still suffered by Muslims in India. We do not seemed to have learnt from the meeting and talks with Mr Advani when he visited. Nothing changed afetr the talks with Advani. Do we really think the behaviour will change through one sided meetings?

What is needed is serious dialogue at the right time. What needs to be done is to raise awareness of this extremist and fundamentalist behaviour of the likes of Mr Modi. This should be done through a lawful protest and through the legal process. It is pertinent to note that Modi's visit was secretive in nature and he intended to come through to the UK and leave quietly. It was only through the good work of some of our members that we were were able to find out about his visit. It is also worth noting that no member of the British Government was to welcome or meet him officially.

A majority of Muslim organisations and scholars agreed with our efforts. They organised at very short notice, a demonstartion and a legal case taken by Awaaz. These proved to be very successful in that there was much publicity in both the national and internation press and media. This is exactly what is needed. This has exposed him and attracted the vigilant eye of the human rights community in the UK and around the world. Private and one-sided talks will never achive this.

Some elements within the Indian leadership subscribe to extreme right-wing groups and thus alienate themselves from the other faith minorities.

As such it our belief that there is nothing to be gained by anybody having a dialogue with such people at this moment in time unless they can demostrate an acceptance of the true democratic principle of the secularism enshrined in Indian statutes.

Britian holds a unique and influential global position genrally but with Indian politicians in particular with whom we have a historical affiliation and understanding. No wonder the British Government had nothing to do with Modi when he came and distanced themselves.

The human rights of Muslims in India are far too an important issue to be left to individuals who purport to represent British Muslims.

Debate amongst us is fine and is positive. We would like to urge Muslim representatives that please do not take these type of debates personally but let us focus on issues which are affecting us all. Difference of opinion is good but we must learn to accommodate each other's point of view at the same time.

The views of the majority should be respected and wider consultation is also equally important.

A joint statement by The Indian Muslim Federation (London), the Council of Indian Muslims (London), The Indian Muslims Association (Leicester), The Protestors Group (Bolton), UK Peace Mission (Blackburn). Letter signed by Shamshuddin Makkan, Munaf Zeena, Imtiaz Patel, Irfan Mustafa, A Karim and H Patel.