Majlis Bachao Tahreek President Dr Khayam Khan and Amjed Ullah Khan (Ex Corporator) has strongly criticised a section of Indian media for trying to act as the spokespersons of controversial French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo.
In a media statement here on Friday after burning the effigy of Charli Hebdo and Zee TV, Dr Khayam Khan and Amjed Ullah Khan said that some news channels of India have broadcast special shows on Charlie Hebdo’s front cover publishing photographs/cartoons of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). He said by publishing new blasphemous cartoons in its first issue after the killings, the controversial magazine is resorting to unnecessary provocation and disrespecting the sentiments of Muslim world. “While Muslims across the world have condemned the attack on the newspaper, they have also warned the publications against publishing the blasphemous cartoons. By repeating its act, the Charlie Hebdo is provoking the Muslims again. Similarly, some Indian news channels are hurting the sentiments of Muslims by broadcasting avoidable shows on the controversial magazine,” they said.
Dr Khayam Khan said a section of war mongers have been trying to take wrong advantage of freedom of speech by offending others. He advised the Indian news channels and publications to avoid publishing any content, pictures, cartoons or other material that hurts the religious sentiments of any community. He said such behaviour would only stir up stir up hatred, tension and give extremists a strong reason to disturb peace in the society.
The MBT President demanded that the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issue necessary directions to all the news channels and publications to restrain from publishing or broadcasting any blasphemous content. Else, he threatened that the MBT would launch strong protest against such channels and publications.
MBT Leaders also demanded that the Government of France should ban the existing magazine Charlie Hebdo for reprinting the caricature of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and arrest its present Publishing Director Chrab. They also demanded that the Government of India withdraw diplomatic relations from the France Government and the Muslims of the entire world boycott all ‘Made in France’ goods. (INN)