Date:14/03/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/03/14/stories/2003031406251100.htm

National

Muslim League to distribute 'panchshool'

By Our Special Correspondent

MUMBAI March 13. The Muslim League will distribute millions of "panchshool" throughout the country to "enable the youth to defend themselves, the country and religion," according to Abdul Hamid Shail, president of the party's Mumbai unit.

Mr. Shail said today at a press conference that the possession of the sharp weapon, resembling a trident and called the `punjatan pak', did not violate the Arms Act since its blades were shorter than nine inches.

He denied that the move to give "panchshool" to the Muslim youth was in response to the similar plan of the VHP to distribute "trishool" and said he was not trying to create a `trishool versus panchshool' scenario.

The minorities, Dalits, weaker sections and tribals were being attacked by the "anti-social and anti-humanity forces." "Under these circumstances we cannot sit idle.''