LUCKNOW, July 19 -- Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind on Saturday appealed for communal harmony and urged all sections of society to reject forces seeking to divide the nation along religious lines. The appeal was made at the Hindu-Muslim unity convention that Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind had organised at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Scientific Convention Centre here under its president Maulana Syed Arshad Madani. In a detailed declaration adopted at the gathering, the organisation described unity in diversity as the country's greatest strength and cultural identity. It emphasised respect for all religious traditions, cultural and linguistic pluralism and the fundamental rights of every Indian to freedom of expression and religious practice. The statement noted that India is passing through a delicate phase where communal elements are allegedly working to widen the Hindu-Muslim divide and weaken national unity. It warned that such efforts threaten the nation's democratic traditions, social harmony, and the basic spirit of the Constitution. It recalled India's pre-colonial history as a land of multiple religions and cultures known for tolerance. The resolution alleged increasing efforts were being made to marginalise minorities, especially Muslims, and interfere in educational institutions. The organisation urged intellectuals, writers and individuals from all faiths to work towards improving the national environment. htc...