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Shabana’s remark

The remark made by actor-turned-activist Shabana Azmi in a television show — that Indian polity has been unfair to Muslims — represents the true feelings of Indian Muslims. True, they enjoy all the rights and freedoms like Hindus. But they have been portrayed wrongly by a few Hindus and some sections of the media who have linked militancy with Islam.

Mohammed Fakrudeen,

Hyderabad

Shabana’s views cannot be rubbished if viewed against hard facts. Discrimination of the largest minority by the majority is part and parcel of any society embroiled in religious obscurantism. But as implied by her, the brighter part is the ever-evolving socialist secular democracy of ours which, in spite of the roadblocks put up by the communal elements, relentlessly provides the necessary institutional support to address the problems of the minorities.

Kasim Sait,

Chennai

If the affluent Shabana is forced to think that being a Muslim is difficult in India, one can well imagine the plight of an ordinary Muslim. It is quite unfortunate that those who stood united for the independence of our nation are now being divided by politicians and anti-social elements. Only mutual understanding, tolerance and a give-and-take attitude will help to resolve communal problems.

S. Bhanu,

Kochi

Do four Muslim Presidents, a few Ministers and three Khans of Bollywood (Letters, Aug. 19) adequately represent crores of Muslims? But for the Sachar Committee report, the malicious campaign against Muslims would have done a lot of damage to the community. Ms Azmi has said nothing wrong. She has spoken against the discrimination she has faced as a Muslim.

Shabbeer Ahmed,

Chittoor

Listening to Shabana, one felt she was honest in her remarks. Even the Tamils living in Mumbai would have said the same thing while recounting their experiences. There is no point in criticising her for her open and honest remarks. We should not ignore the views of those who have suffered. People like me would have been happy if Hindus had agreed with her and Muslims criticised her.

V.M. Khaleelur Rahman,

Ambur

Ms Azmi’s claim that she could not buy an apartment in Mumbai just because she is a Muslim is unacceptable. Is it her case that there is no Muslim in Mumbai who owns a house? She must apologise to the nation for tarnishing its secular image by making such an irresponsible statement.

V. Govindarajan,

Singapore

It is difficult to believe that a prominent film personality who has won several national awards is unable to buy a house in Mumbai because she is a Muslim. What about Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan and others who are among the most highly paid actors in Bollywood? Are they also having problems purchasing houses in Mumbai?

S. Gurumurthy,

Chennai

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