Muslim community stages protest over Hussain’s art work

MORMUGAO, FEB 17 — Around 900 Muslims took out a rally in Vasco under the banner of Ittihad-Ul-Muslimin.
A huge rally was taken out by the Muslims of Vasco in protest against the cartoon of Prophet Mohammed. They took out a peaceful rally which started from Madina Masjid and proceeded along Swatantra Path before winding up in front of the Municipality where they had a meeting.
Mulla Akbar, Chairman of Shiroda Urban Co-operative Society and GCA Treasurer in his speech stated that the cartoon has hurt the feelings and sentiments of the Muslim community. He further stated that Muslims respect all religions and are peace loving. But this act has hurt the sentiments of the Muslims all over the world.
Dr Jambagi, Ex-Pricipal of MES Higher Secondary who spoke on the ocassion said that one should be very careful specially when it comes to the. He came down heavily on the cartoon which the Danish paper had published. He also pointed out that the painting by M F Hussain showed a picture of a Hindu goddess on the map of India.
Speaking on the ocassion, Leonardo Lobo said that the cartoon was in very bad taste as it has hurt the sentiments of thousands of Muslims all over the world and in future one should be very careful while carrying out any art work.
President of Ittihad-Ul-Muslimin Saifullah Bashir Khan criticized M F Hussain’s painting and said that the Government is free to take any legal action against the painter.
He also stated that because of one man’s wrong doing, the entire community should not be targetted. He also said that the Islam respect all religions and they should work in unity towards the peace and development of the country.