Date:07/02/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/02/07/stories/2006020702821002.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Unfortunate

The publication of a series of offensive cartoons of Prophet Mohammed in the European media and the violent reaction of Muslims are unfortunate. The media enjoy the freedom to express their views without fear. It should be used for reporting facts, exposing scandals, fighting for justice and so on. But in the cartoons, it has been misused to mock a religion. In what way did the cartoons add value to the publications that carried them? Such instances will end up polarising the world on the basis of religion.

Salim J. Athfal,
Linkoping, Sweden

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It is quite unfortunate that the West does not value the sentiments of people belonging to different cultures. Some time ago, pictures of Indian gods were printed on undergarments and footwear. Now it is Islam that has been insulted. Cartoons are meant to portray incidents and happenings humorously. When they are used to hurt religious sentiments, they stir up a hornets' nest.

R. Kanagaraj,
Pollachi, T.N.

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The rightful indignation of the liberal media and intellectuals at the misuse of the freedom of expression is welcome. However one wonders why this indignation was missing when Hindu gods were painted nude.

S. Sundararaman,
Bangalore