Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Deplorable

The publication of Prophet Muhammed's cartoons in the European media in the name of freedom of expression has hurt Muslims all over the world. The cartoons, which are against Islam, have provoked the Muslim world to stage protests. The West has always claimed that it is more civilised and cultured. Does the Western culture preach disrespect for other religions?

M. Nazeeruddin,
Kurnool, A.P.

It is difficult to understand what the Western media want to prove by exercising such a freedom. Muslims should observe restraint at this juncture to prove they are peace loving.

A. Mohamed Aslam,
Madurai

The European school for scandal has a misconceived, distorted view of democracy and freedom of expression. The violence unleashed, though highly deplorable, has been triggered by an orchestrated agenda against Islam.
S. Samiuddin Muzammil,
Kurnool, A.P.

The Western countries have never respected the religious sentiments of others. While this time it is Islam that has been defamed, in the past pictures of Hindu gods were printed on T-shirts and undergarments. Despite condemnation by various groups from within and outside India, such incidents continue to happen. It is ironical that those who talk and preach high standards of civilisation are also those who often violate them.

K. Murlidar,
Chennai

In a world weighed down by numerous problems, the last thing one wants is communal frenzy whipped up by provocative cartoons. While the act of hurting religious sentiments needs to be strongly condemned, a peaceful protest would do a world of good to the cause of Islam the world over.

Suresh Manoharan,
Hyderabad

The Western media, in the garb of freedom of expression, have crossed the limits of decency. The publication of the cartoons in a Danish newspaper, and their reproduction by other European publications are condemnable. It is only fair that they apologise.

Mohammad Jamil Akhtar Ansari,
Aligarh, U.P.

It is difficult to believe that the cartoonists were not aware of the reaction their work would trigger. There does not seem to be a motive to publishing the cartoons other than gaining cheap publicity.

Yugal Joshi,
New Delhi

Vicious, outrageous and provocative campaigns cannot be justified in the name of freedom of expression. The re-print of the cartoons in France, Germany and in other parts of Europe was wanton misuse of freedom, causing grievous hurt to the sentiments of Muslims.

When newspapers are reckless enough to publish vicious, provocative material, they should be ready to face the consequences.

S. Mahaboob Basha,
Adoni, A.P.

It is a pity that those who boast of being the advocates of religious tolerance have gone to the provocative extent of tarnishing Prophet Muhammed. Under the pretext of exercising their freedom of expression, they have attempted in vain to depict the embodiment of humanity in a bad light. The act looks like a deliberate attack on a faith that has been widely embraced by intellectuals and academicians in Europe.

T.P. Ahamed Shafeeq,
Parakkal, Mahe

The cartoons make a mockery of the most revered figure in Islam, degrading the sentiments of Muslims. Why hurt the feelings of millions — who seek the Prophet's blessings everyday — for some cheap thrill?

Amina Hussain,
New Delhi

Cartoons and newspaper articles must be taken at face value. It is ridiculous to attribute ulterior motives to them. Burning of embassies (Feb. 6) is a misuse of the freedom to protest.

M.V. Karthik,
Bangalore

"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me." This adage will appear wrong if the violence spawned by the offensive cartoons is any proof.

Arun Visvanathan,
Chennai

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