Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Incendiary speech

Sir, — This refers to the news report (Dec.17) on the remarks made by the VHP leader, Praveen Togadia, that "the Muslims here will enjoy the same place or status as Hindus enjoy in Pakistan, may be even slightly better status".

Pakistan is a declared theocratic state, whereas India is a secular state and the Constitution guarantees equality for all citizens.

Though masqueraded under the right to "freedom of speech", any utterance militating against the secular character of Indian polity should be viewed seriously by the powers that be.

If such utterances are not checked with an iron hand, they would spread hatred among various communities and foment terrorism.

V. Jaffar Hussain,
Neyveli

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