Thackerays & Imams

Sir, - While Mr. Bal Thackeray has gone to the extent of demanding disenfranchisement of Muslims, the Shahi Imam of Delhi Jama Masjid has gone to the other extreme by threatening to approach the Arab world seeking imposition of economic sanctions against India, if any attempt is made to construct the proposed Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya. In a way Mr. Thackeray's demand can be dismissed as an infantile outburst which does not qualify for wide media publicity. It can at best provide comic relief to the readers.

But Imam's threat is mischievous bordering on anti-national sentiments. It is admitted that Muslims have genuine feelings over the demolition of the Babri Masjid which is equally shared by all right-thinking persons in the country. But his ``threat'' which amounts to instigating the Arab world under the banner of religion against his ``own'' country is something serious.

It is surprising that political leaders have not taken exception to the threat of Imam. Perhaps, vote bank politics prevented them from doing so with equal force as they have reacted to Mr. Thackeray's demand.

Temperamental and irresponsible ``sermons'' will only lead to the division of our country on communal lines. Persons like Mr. Bal Thackeray and the Shahi Imam are the real threats to the secular fabric of our country.

It is our fervent hope that the Imam is alone and the majority of Muslims do not share his unpatriotic sentiments.

V. N. Gopal,

Chennai

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