Date:09/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/09/stories/2008120954560400.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Leaders call to uphold nation’s secular tradition

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: A host of leaders, cutting across political allegiances, on Monday appealed to people to uphold the country’s secular tradition on the occasion of Bakrid.

In his message, Governor Surjit Singh Barnala urged citizens to rekindle the spirit of unity, compassion and love and lead the nation to peace, progress and prosperity.

Greeting the people, Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi said Id symbolised equality among all economic classes and exhorted civil society to work towards the uplift of the poor.

AIADMK general secretary Jayalalithaa called for practising brotherhood and humanity.

MDMK leader Vaiko said Tamil Nadu had always exemplified communal harmony and peaceful coexistence. He urged people to face the challenge posed by disruptive elements unitedly.

TNCC president K.V. Thangkabalu urged people to collectively give up hatred and root out violence from society.

Indian Union Muslim League State secretary Hakeem Syed Sathar called upon Muslim brethren to rededicate themselves to the true values of Islam.

Any act of violence and terrorism was against the spirit of Islam, he said.

BJP leader L. Ganesan called for religious tolerance and unity.

PMK founder S. Ramadoss and Rajya Sabha MP S. Thirunavukkarasar also extended their greetings in separate messages.