MPs take objection to cartoon feature

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, NOV. 28. The issue of a cartoon feature, with an illustration of Prophet Mohammad and his companion which was carried by The Hindu in ``Young World'' supplement of November 24, was raised during zero hour in the Lok Sabha today.

Mr. Rashid Alvi of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) described it as a ``sensitive'' matter and warned that it could take a ``dangerous'' turn. He criticised the Government for being ``irresponsible'' and demanded action against the cartoonist. He also wanted a ban on the portion of the paper that had carried the illustrations on November 24.

While stating that the newspaper had a secular image, Mr. Alvi said either the Home Minister or the Information and Broadcasting Minister should have been present in the House.

The Muslim League member, Mr. G.M. Banatwala, took exception to the title of the cartoon strip ``Popcorn'' and said the issue could not be pushed aside. The Government should make a statement.

Mr. E.A. Ahamed (Muslim League) said the newspaper must respect the sentiments of the Muslim community.

The BJP member, Mr. Vijay Kumar Malhotra, agreed that the issue was indeed ``serious'' for the followers of Islam as any illustration of Prophet Mohammad was wrong but he also noted that the newspaper had prominently carried an apology the next day.

Mr. Buta Singh (Congress) demanded a statement from the Home Minister on the issue.

Responding to the issue, the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Mr. Vidyasagar Rao, told the members that it was ``unfortunate'' for the newspaper to have carried the illustrations. The Editor had apologised on November 25, saying that the illustrations were carried inadvertently. ``The apology was carried on the front page of the newspaper and widely publicised,'' he said.

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