tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462242975774901312.post8923538847389502622..comments2024-02-29T02:52:55.821-06:00Comments on Muslims Together : Taslima's article sparks violence in Karnataka, 2 killedMike Ghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647894600183489442noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462242975774901312.post-68366242004752783792010-03-02T07:45:08.059-06:002010-03-02T07:45:08.059-06:00Last 2 days have witnessed a lot of turmoil in th...Last 2 days have witnessed a lot of turmoil in the state of Karnataka. ' Kannada Prabha' a prominent Kannada Daily news paper in the state (belongs to the Indian Express group) carried translation of an article written by Thasleema Nasreen on the Islamic practice of Hijab or the female dress code( Issue dated 28th Feb 2010). The article contained extremely derogatory and provocative remarks against Allah, the Prophet ( S), his wives, the holy Quran and the entire Islamic tradition.The fact that it appeared on the very next day of Meelad clearly indicated the intention of the publishers to deliberately hurt the sentiments of the Muslim community. Many of our friends immediately tried to contact the editor to register their protest. But the editor or the management did not take it seriously.<br /><br />In the evening that day a meeting of the Muslim leaders was held and an appeal was issued requesting all Muslims to control their emotions and not to resort to any violent protest. But in spite of these efforts from our side people in many parts of the state came to the streets to express their disapproval. As expected the situation went out of control in many places and the situation took a violent turn. 0n 1st Feb Police fired at a group of protesters and killed two persons. We in the meantime were trying to persuade local leaders to register complaints in the local police stations against the editor and publisher of the newspaper and also made arrangements to file a suit in the state High court. Memorandums were presented to all the concerned authorities both in the State and the central government. We met the Director General of Police who assured us that every possible action will be taken against the newspaper. In the evening we met the state Chief Minister , expressed the feelings of the community and requested him to take a few specific measure. He assured us that those measures will taken.<br /><br />Today our delegation also met the management of the Indian Express group and after detailed talks, presented the following four demands before them:<br /><br />1.They should publish an unconditional apology in the front page and in a very clearly visible manner.( earlier experience is, they agree to apologise but the apology is published in smallest possible letters and size and printed in some remote corner of an inner page)<br />2. They should take stringent disciplinary action against the person (in the editorial Board) responsible for the appearance of the said article.<br />3.They should publish a 4 page supplement with positive articles on Prophet (S).<br />4. They should assure as in very clear terms that they wont repeat such mischief. <br />The management conceded to all these demands.<br /><br />The news of this talk with the management, assurance of the Chief Minister and of the DGP was communicated to the local leaders in various parts of the state. As a result the situation in the state is improving now.<br /><br />Feroze Bhai, Dr.Thaha Matheen and myself, apart from some other friends personally participated in the talks with the Chief minister and the Indian Express management.<br />Thanking You, <br />Abdussalam Puthige<br /> <br />= = = = = = = = = = =<br />"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." --Margaret MeadAbdussalam Puthigenoreply@blogger.com