Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind's regressive calls to shun TV and not pay heed to precautions against the spread of HIV

The Hindu, 9 March 2011

Date:09/03/2011 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2011/03/09/stories/2011030954560802.htm Back

Letters to the Editor

On identity

The Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind's call (Mahmood Madani faction) to Muslims to don their Muslim identity is similar to that given by the VHP and the sangh parivar asking Hindus to maintain their separate identity (“Jamait asks Muslims to live by ‘Islamic rules and values',” March 8). Further, regressive calls to shun modern scientific devices like TV and not pay heed to precautions against the spread of HIV are disturbing. Rather than focussing on sections working towards removal of illiteracy, ill health and other inequalities, such sectarian calls, by communal organisations, to whichever religion they belong, should not be allowed to be propagated in a secular society. It was only because such organisations were allowed uncontrolled propagation of regressive ideas that uncontrollable anarchy has resulted in Pakistan. Should we not learn from its experience? There must also be steps towards reservation for Muslims, to address their problems highlighted by the Sachar Committee, and compensation for Muslim youth in bomb blast cases.

Kasim Sait,

Chennai

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