Editorial
Provocative act
We condemn it
WE find the republication of a cartoon on the Prophet of Islam by a Danish newspaper extremely provocative, utterly outrageous and malicious in intent. All this is highly condemnable. The cartoon meant to hurt the sentiments of the people of a major religious faith is not only unacceptable, it is diametrically opposite to what the progressive countries of the west preach -- liberalism, tolerance, respect for different faiths and freedom of expression.
Republication of the cartoon against the backdrop of outbursts over it can be termed as a deliberate attempt to malign a major religion. It reflects not only on the mischievous motivation of the cartoonist but also on the editorial judgement in the newspaper. If freedom of expression to this particular newspaper meant undermining the faith of a billion strong people, we cannot think of any greater abuse of the concept of freedom. One's freedom ends where other's rights begin. It is on the acknowledgement of this principle that peace and harmony in the human society hinges. Let no one forget it.
The bellicose act will have resulted in no material or spiritual benefit for the newspaper authorities. On the contrary, it exposed their moral bankruptcy and inability to apprehend a possible furore over the issue like what had happened the first time around. It had taken quite a while for the matter to subside. Repetition of such vicious act is the handiwork of evil forces that are totally oblivious of the consequences of their action.
We once again express our serious outrage over the insensitivity of Danish authorities, especially the newspaper that republished the cartoon. This has hurt the sensibilities of all rational people around the world, particularly that of the followers of Islam. We believe an unconditional apology from the Danish newspaper is the least they can do at the moment.
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