Date:14/10/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/10/14/stories/2004101403601005.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Not the media's fault

Sir, — This is with reference to the letter asking the media not to refer to acts of terrorism by people with Muslim names as Islamic terrorism (Oct. 12). It is barking up the wrong tree.

The media did not invent such descriptions. The terrorists perpetrate their killings in the name of Islam. They obtain sanction by calling them jihad. People like Haja Mohideen must take the initiative to stop the misuse of Islam and jihad.

Krishnamurthy Raman,
Chennai

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Sir, — `Islamist' terrorism refers to those who have hijacked Islam and appropriated it for their reprehensible goals. It points to a section of the Muslim world, not to the entire community.

Vipan Chandra,
Norton, Massachusetts