Date:14/02/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/02/14/stories/2006021414200400.htm

New Delhi

Protest by Hamdard University teachers

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: To condemn the controversial comic strip of Prophet Mohammad published by a Danish newspaper, the Hamdard University Teachers' Association (HUTA) staged a demonstration on its campus on Monday.

A resolution adopted by the Association's executive committee described the cartoons as ``offensive'', adding that those who favoured their publication on the pretext of democratic rights and freedom of expression were also to blame.

While criticising those legitimising and justifying the violation of religious sentiments and its sacred aspects, the Association has demanded preventive measures to ensure that such offensive caricatures involving any religion are not published again.

"We demand that European governments exert pressure on their media to retract the offensive caricatures of Prophet Muhammad, apologise for the offence caused and guarantee no further repetition of such abuse'', said Dr. Basir A. Khan, who addressed the gathering.