NEW DELHI: Fundamentalist Hindus seeking to demolish an ancient mosque and build a temple on the site in the state of Uttar Pradesh have come in for criticism from eminent personalities like Satyajit Ray, Mrinal Sen and over 100 Bengali writers. They said a handful of selfish and communal forces are active in striking at the roots of secularism for narrow political ends.
Concern was expressed over the tension being created in different parts of the country by radical Hindus. Observers feel that Muslims who have never felt comfortable in India may also go the way of the Sikhs with whom no room for compromise now exists. India has the second largest Muslim population in the world at around 100 million. As it is no year goes by without Hindu Muslim clashes
In northern India. Discontent has been simmering among the Muslims and the indignity of a mosque being pulled down is likely to bring things to a boil. Traditionally the Muslims have been with the Congress I. Now they have no place to turn to as all the major opposition parties pander to the Hindu majority. The observers warm that the outcome could be disastrous for India if the Muslims are driven to the wall.
Consecrated bricks bearing the inscription Ram are being taken to Ayodhya to build the temple in November.
TORONTO: The Canadian government has announced new reunification rules for immigrants under which their unmarried sons and daughters of any age can join them.
Article extracted from this publication >> October 13, 1989
