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Imam men scuffle with media

Imam men scuffle with media

Author: Special Correspondent
Publication: The Asian Age
Date: April 18, 2006

Jama Masjid's Shahi Imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari on Tuesday had an ugly scuffle with mediapersons outside Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's 7, Race Course Road residence when they persisted in questioning him on the reservation policy. A complaint has been registered at the Chanakyapuri police station.

The Shahi Imam and his delegation shouted at and attacked journalists, with the cleric having to be restrained by others accompanying him. Protesting journalists then surrounded his vehicle and he, along with his delegation, had to be escorted from the Prime Minister's residence by the police.

The Shahi Imam lost his cool when mediapersons insisted that he stay longer to answer their questions. He advanced menacingly towards a journalist and his supporters roughed up another journalist.

The brawl took place when the imam's supporters got agitated after a reporter sought his reaction to the UPA government's recent bid to introduce reservation in all educational institutions. The supporters also allegedly snatched the mikes of some TV journalists.

The angry mediapersons blocked their way and did not allow the Imam to leave, and he could leave only after the SPG personnel posted at the site made way for his vehicle. The complaint registered at the local police station also states that the Shahi Imam's driver while trying to flee the spot drove the car over a journalist's feet. The journalist was rushed to hospital and has suffered a fracture.

Responding to criticism that the SPG, which remained a mute spectator during the scuffle, PMO sources said the SPG's job was only to protect the Prime Minister and the law and order under the Delhi police.

At that time, senior Union ministers were present at the Prime Minister's residence to attend the Union Cabinet and CCEA meetings.

Union home minister Shivraj Patil came out and told the mediapersons, "I will personally look into this. Please have faith in me." Union science and technology minister Kapil Sibal said the media had a right to ask provocative questions, as its job was to get at the truth.

The Shahi Imam had gone to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to submit a set of recommendations, in the wake of the national convention of Muslim leaders he had recently organised and he was accompanied by a delegation of Muslim leaders.

The delegation had several demands, including Dr Singh's intervention for early arrest of those involved in the Jama Masjid blasts. These recommendations had been finalised at a national conference of Muslims.

The imam, who had gone to meet the Prime Minister to submit a set of recommendations started walking away, after answering a few questions. However, journalists insisted that he stay longer and this led to a scuffle.


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