Riot over video

RIOTS OVER VIDEO

While news pages of Urdu papers are full of reports of angry demonstrations in response to the film Innocence of Muslims, editorials and opinion pieces in many newspapers have taken a different route.

The multi-edition daily Inquilab, in its editorial on September 21, writes: "Islamic history is witness to the fact that its leading lights have never believed in an inflammatory response to a provocative action. A well thought-out response is much better than uncontrolled anger. Goods and manufacturers from those countries where anti-Islam episodes are taking place should be boycotted. Pressure should be exerted on the concerned governments to compel them to take the right diplomatic steps. In response to provocation, Islamic teachings should be disseminated... Efforts should be made to influence people in other communities so they might stand up in defence of Islam even before Muslims."

Delhi-based daily Jadeed Khabar wrote on September 23: "It is being proved that these conspiracies are hatched to destroy the lives and property of Muslims. It is our responsibility to abort the evil designs of anti-Islam forces. While staging peaceful protests against ill-intentioned activities, we should let the world know that Muslims cannot tolerate any insults or misbehaviour against the Quran or the Prophet. Muslims should protect their life and property because the life of a human being is considered (in Islam) to be more valuable even than Kaaba."

Mamata's Decision

Describing Mamata Banerjee's decision to withdraw her support to the UPA government as "unwise", Rashtriya Sahara in its September 20 editorial, writes: "If one looks at the ground reality, this is the second defeat of politics based on egoism, stubbornness and an illogical attitude. In the first case, Mamata understood the situation when she realised that she had been left alone and she had agreed to Pranab Mukherjee's candidature for the office of president. And now she has ignored everyone's advice. She is out in the cold again. She will realise sooner or later that her decision will benefit neither West Bengal nor herself."

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