Date:16/03/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/03/16/stories/2006031616840700.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Shia Muslims call on Barnala

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: An eight-member delegation of Shia Muslims of Tamil Nadu called on Governor S. S. Barnala at the Raj Bhavan here on Tuesday.

Danish cartoons

Led by Prince of Arcot Mohammed Abdul Ali, the delegation, on behalf of the Tamil Nadu Shia Muslim Convention, presented a resolution to the Governor, which criticised the publication of the caricatures of Prophet Muhammad in a Danish newspaper, and the demolition of the holy shrine at Samarra in Iraq.

Shrine demolition

The delegation requested the Governor to forward the resolution to the Governments of Iraq and Denmark and to use his good offices with the Union Government to lodge its protest with the Iraqi Government for not adequately protecting the shrine at Samarra.

During the meeting, Mr. Barnala stressed the need for Shia-Sunni unity in the country. He also highlighted the importance of education, particularly girls' education, says a release.