E-Paper
Muslims take to the streets
MUSLIMS TOOK to the streets here on Saturday in protest against publication of caricatures of Prophet Mohammad by a Danish newspaper. They demanded that the UPA Government recall its ambassador from Denmark and the Danish Embassy in New Delhi be closed down. They also registered their protest against the proposed visit of US president George W. Bush to India.It was probably for the first time that all the sects extended their overwhelming support to a rally which was held peacefully.
MUSLIMS TOOK to the streets here on Saturday in protest against publication of caricatures of Prophet Mohammad by a Danish newspaper. They demanded that the UPA Government recall its ambassador from Denmark and the Danish Embassy in New Delhi be closed down. They also registered their protest against the proposed visit of US president George W. Bush to India.
It was probably for the first time that all the sects extended their overwhelming support to a rally which was held peacefully. It brought the Muslim community together on a common platform.
Addressing the gathering, Islamic scholars and religious leaders demanded cancellation of US President George W. Bush’s upcoming visit to the country and recall of the Danish ambassador. Thousands of the flags of Denmark were set ablaze and many effigies of the cartoonist were burnt at different crossings in the city.
Presiding over the meeting, Pesh Imam Maulana Abdul Jalil Mazahiri exhorted the minority community members to be ready to make sacrifices to save the pride of their religious books and the Prophet of Islam. He expressed concern that Western countries had launched an offensive against Islam and said Muslims across the world had come on a common platform against the high-handedness of the Bush administration. Noted physician Dr Aziz Ahmad, who was conducting the rally, faced a tough time in controlling the agitated mob who raised slogans against Denmark, USA and George W Bush. Dr Ahmad spoke about publication of caricatures and justified the resentment of the minority community. He said no one could be allowed to hurt the feeling of any community in the name of the freedom of expression. He also said freedom of expression was not freedom of hurting others’ sentiments.
Earlier, Muslims took out processions from different areas and marched towards Islamia Inter College. Holding placards and banners, they raised slogans and said Islam meant humanity and peace. They condemned the Bush administration for violation of human rights. Though various educational institutions and madrasas were closed, markets in some parts of the city was opened, but as a series of processions hit the street, traders pulled down their shutters.
