Title: Muslim mob forces
New Indian Express to apologise
Author: Observer Political
Bureau
Publication: The Observer
of Business and Politics
Date: January 5, 2000
Introduction: Media,
human rights groups' deafening silence
The New Indian Express,
has been forced to "apologise" under the threat of violence by a Muslim
mob.
The event, which took
place in Bangalore on January 2, last, has virtually been blacked out so
far by most of the local and national dailies, media organisations and
human rights bodies.
The agitating mob was
reportedly inspired by "secular" leaders belonging to Janata Dal and Congress
- C M Ibrahim and Roshan Baig.
The police obviously
buckling under pressure, virtually refused effective protection to the
besieged newspaper and its terrified staff till the mob was mollified by
an apology.
Fearing loss of life,
limb and property, the management tendered an apology in order to buy peace.
What is surprising is
that the police, instead of arresting anyone for unleashing terror against
the newspaper employees or indulging in violent attacks against the journalistic
establishment, has registered a case against Mr T J S George, a senior
journalist and advisory editor of the New Indian Express group.
His article, titled 'The
millennium is dead ... long live the millennium,' had provided fodder for
the "secularists to go on rampage."
Besides, the attitude
of the police towards the whole incident appears to be partial as no action
followed after two city-based photographers were beaten up for covering
protests by Muslims against the newspaper article.
The incident, at Neelasandra
area, where Muslims youths took out a protest march on the main thoroughfares
and forced shops to close, is a case in point. It was only when the elders
of the community advised restraint that the procession passed on without
further incidents.
Minor incidents were
also reported from other parts of the city, but the police did not anticipate
a major law and order situation.
Nearby Shivajinagar area
is considered highly sensitive, but police officials said that "it is under
control."
However, protests against
the newspaper group were intensified and could only be contained after
the management was forced to tender an apology. A small group of protesters
shouted slogans outside the newspaper office but were persuaded to leave
by the police.
At the same time, Muslim
leaders, including tourism minister Roshan Baig, were involved at a lengthy
meeting on the controversy at a neighbouring venue.
The meeting counselled
moderation, but youths decided to hold another demonstration outside the
newspaper office. Again, the elders tried to cool the hotheads, who were
demanding Mr George's arrest.
Some protesters also
attempted to manhandle the editorial staff. Senior staff members reasoned
out with the leaders that the article had no intentions to hurt the religious
feelings of the community.
When it was pointed out
that the article was only quoting Italian philosopher Dante, the youths
demanded a ban on the writings of Dante.
Some of them torched
a truck laden with the group's newsprint at Shivajinagar on their way back.
The mob also resorted to stone -throwing in which 10 Policemen were hurt
and several vehicles damaged.
The police said that
they had registered a case against Mr George following a complaint by A
A Khan, a local lawyer.
Mr Khan had earlier alleged
that the article was a deliberate attempt to hurt the sentiments of the
community' and incite violence.
New Indian Express, which
had apologised under pressure, however, in a front-page article on Tuesday
alleged that the violence was instigated by a few leaders who had some
motives other than the defence of Islam.
The edit said that "the
newspaper would not be deflected from its pursuits by threats and depredations
of communal politicians."
