One sympathises with the Muslim community for the misuse of freedom of expression by certain cartoonists in mocking the Prophet. But we also need to ask the Islamic ummah if it is Islamic to destroy other places of worship? Is it Islamic to terrorise people by killing and abducting them?

But perhaps those displaying banners seeking the lives of people who insult Islam will not mind repeating what they did at Bamiyan.
Udita Agrawal
Delhi
II
Why does M.F. Husain keep hurting Hindu sentiments through his paintings? Obviously, his apology after each such controversy is not heart-felt. He should learn to respect the sentiments of others. It would be terrible if the aggrieved party decide to react in the manner in which Muslim extremists have over the publication of a cartoon in a Danish newspaper.
M.K. Gupta
Delhi
Follow the prescription
There is no doubt that hospitals that are allotted land at concessional rates must meet their social obligations (Advertise free treatment sop, court tells private hospitals, February 8). A practical way to make hospitals fulfil their commitment may be to require them to fund the infrastructure cost and running expenses of government dispensaries, depending on the value of concession. The benefit to the poor will then be real rather than illusory.
Bishan Sahai
via e-mail
Bishan Sahai
via e-mail
Criminals in uniform
This refers to the editorial The vicious squad (February 9). To a large extent, the police in India tend to act unlawfully. They are accountable to the people but pay little heed to legalities. Incidents of custodial torture take place because these ‘criminals in uniform’ wield absolute power which corrupts them. There should be laws so that the despotic attitude of policemen can be checked.
Abdullah Khan
via e-mail
Carry on, PM
Lawless people have ruined the capital by resorting to illegal constructions and occupation of even government land (PM wants MCD to go slow, February 8). The blame rests on politicians and the MCD. It will be sad if the PM has orders of the cessation of demolishing.
K.S. Wahi
Delhi
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