Even as anti-U.S. protests continued for the fourth day on Monday in Chennai, the U.S. Consulate announced that it will remain shut till Wednesday in the wake of the recent attack by Islamic outfits over the controversial film Innocence of Muslims that allegedly tarnishes the image of the prophet.
On Friday, the consulate came under attack from the Tamil Nadu Muslim Munnetra Kazhagam (TMMK). “On Sunday we decided to close the office for a few days. Since Wednesday is a State holiday we decided to open on Thursday. We have to see the situation and then decide,” said a consulate spokesperson.
The consulate has rescheduled all visa appointments. “All applicants have been contacted and informed about the change of dates,” said the spokesperson.
Meanwhile, the consulate looked like a fortress with a large posse of policemen posted around the building.
The service lane by the side of consulate building was cordoned off and a police man kept informing the motorists about the alternative route available.
It is no good to keep quiet when there is a movie that hurts religious beliefs of Muslims.It would be very grateful if the protests were peaceful and just conveys the message as it hurts Muslims sentiment by these kind of movies rather being violent. Comparing other religions here is no way a positive note.What ever may be the religion /who ever it may be - following Gandhian principle always creates human values more respectable to the religion itself. Not only muslims - We INDIANS have to show Gandhian path rather being violent. Sathyamev Jayate !
when the buddhist monuments and shrines were destroyed.... there were no protests.not everyone reacts that way
i see many here calling for a ban of the film. Banning anything is
completely undemocratic and against the freedom of expression. If you
are offended, then you are free to say that you are offended. However,
banning or resorting to violence is not an option and shows a lack of
strength in someone's beliefs..
I always thought muslims in Tamilnadu are moderates. The recent shows a shift from moderation to extremism.
Blind faith in religion and hurting people , damaging other's properties is definetly not GOOD, whoever it is.
It is good to note that lots of Muslims condemning this violence.
As a common law abiding citizen of this country, these kind of protests
and violence is actually affecting the image of this country. If you
don't like to watch some footage ignore it and go ahead with your lives
than going for such kind of violence and actually giving the footage
unwanted publicity, which was the same that the creators of the video
were looking for.(And they have succeeded) People are just using this
ask a way to get media attention.
all those supporting the rioters, please remember you live in India - a democracy. Can the Indian govt be held responsible for the movies made in this country. It is ridiculous to attack the US consulate for the actions of a film maker based in US.
I think the ideological instigators of this riot are having a heyday.
I watched the film trailer and now these incidents around the globe, I haven't seen any such incidents when Davinchi code was released which completely opposes the Christian beliefs. I haven't even a heard a stone being thrown at anyone.
Interesting to note that when Husain painted those pictures repeatedly which hurt the sentiments of the Hindus, they did not resort to killing people. Also interesting that our seculars (politicians and the prese)who vigorously defended freedom of expression are maintaining a defeaning silence when the people of Chennai who have nothing to do with this film have been repeatedly inconvenienced in the last few days by demonstrations in Central Chennai.
Please be wise in the protests. As someone else already pointed out that
US embassy has nothing to do with film or the intent of it what so ever.
This only causes a lot of inconvenience to fellow Indians who are on
purpose visits from different places to the Chennai consulate on these
days. Any displeasure caused by the film should be brought to the
correct individuals which should be peaceful but not the innocent US
embassy officials who were just doing their job far from their homeland.
@Syed Kabeer Ahmed, we non-muslims don't care whether the protests and
violence in Chennai are against Islam or not, we also don't want to
know if they are against Islam, we only care if they are against the
laws and rights granted by Indian Constitution. We know these protests
are one way of illegally intimidating the US and fellow Indian
citizens in Chennai, who have nothing to do with the stupid video by
stupid people. The muslim leaders should use common sense before
protesting like this that appends India to sensitive places in the
world now. Religion basically is subjective issue, it is a lack of
understanding by people make it communal or societal. The type of
communal protest in chennai is the best example.
I hate people who bring religion into each and everything. What did the
US consulate do for the film made by the individual?
If you want to condemn, then go to US and make a dharna in front of the
houses of the director and producer of the movie!
This type of things happening in Chennai... amazed...
What I can't understand is how there can be freedom of speech without hurting the
sentiments of anyone. Almost anything worth saying is going to be disagreed with by
someone.
This silly film was made in 2011 and none watched it until the protests. Now every Tom, Dick and Harry is watching it. Who won?
I hope TN does everything to stop such protests. After all, the US govt. possibly cannot keep track of every silly film that is made in the country. And this was made by an Egyptian immigrant too. Ask him why he made it.
The U.S.A. had nothing to do with the controversial film. Hence there is no justification at all for their sustained violent protest, which is causing misery to the general public. Those who seek visa to travel to the U.S. are gravely inconvenienced. The Tamil Nadu police must immediately arrest them for their horrific act. They then should be duly prosecuted and punished under the stringent provisions of law. Most importantly, normal functioning of the US Consulate, Chennai, should be restored quickly. The TN police is duty-bound to act fast and firm.
Now days India has become the hot bed for all this kind of quirky activities.Of recent, the agitation for Myanmar issue and later on in Banglore for Assam issue and now it is because of the desecration of prophet Muhammed in a film in America.Let me ask my dear friends who organise these activities:most of the issues that inflammed violence in India happened in foreign soil then why the hell people resort to violence here for that cause.It is our country and if anything happens against people in India of course we should agitate that too would be good if it is peaceful than destroying our own properties.
Why are poeple of some community so frantic about what happens to the poeple of the same community outside of the country.This kind of tendency should be dealt with an iron hand but sad to see vote bank politics takes a big role here.
We can cancel the publicity of that movie in India to respect the religion but no kind of violence for that cause can be accepted at all for many reasons.
Why the protest is not happening in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Jordan and Bahrain? Muslims in India should think and react. Because of this film nothing going to happen to your God or Prophet Muhammad. Please do think… re-think.
Seeing lot of comments from my muslim brothers after a long time, and to @Younus:Brother, if US is anti islamic then why people still travel there? every country has its own policies and acts in self interest, did you comment when pakistani imam has falsely accused a minor girl with blasemphy law? where were you then?
I am not sure what purpose is served by vandalism of US Consulate here in Chennai - People who want to protest, should go to Washington on the particular state's capital city to which this producer belongs in the US and protest there. No purpose is served by disrupting ordinary citizens who go for consular work and creating a law and order scene in our country.
People have made a statement out there.
The voilent protests that was staged outside the US embassy in Chennai
is being written in Reuters , Guardian & NYT.
Irregardless of the religion, these protesters have hit very hard at
the Brand Chennai.
Chennai is more important than a movie or an organization!
Before this incident, Chennai was the safest place for Americans in
India.(The logical reasoning is Chennai is the only city where H1B
visa is provided to whole of India).
After this Western Industries will think twice before investing in
Chennai and so called Peaceful state image has been broken.
This will directly affect the employment rate in the region.
I wholeheartedly request the concerned authorities to take severe
action against the culprits. First it was Azad Maidan, second it is
Chennai US embassy. "There has to be an end to this madness".
Can't you understand that Great prophet's image can never be tainted by such videos of insanity. Truth remains truth. It does not need to be proved. He must be laughing at his followers. Let us understand his true message and follow him with heart and not with stupidity.
Why attack a consulate for a film?! The U.S. Govt. has already condemned
the movie. What else can they do? Everything has a limit.
The Government should take very strict action against people who dare to do such acts. There is always a democratic way to express one's view in a democratic country. Police cannot be mute spectators when some one dares to climb the fence of a building which houses diplomats for whom the Government is due to provide security. So many Indians are living in foreign countries as foreigners. We should also respect people from other countries who live in India.
The closing of the Consulate has created much disturbance to the public. People come to obtain visas even from other states. They are greatly affected because of this evil act.
What a waste of time. What has US government go to do with this film? It
is such a badly made & poorly structured film, which would sunk without
notice. Now thanks to this unwanted protests,it is popular!
This is just a stunt by various muslim organizations competing with one another in the name of the same religion.They cant even combine together and organize a joint protest but start behaving like polictical parties.
Younus, what happens in Israel should not be our concern. As for US banning the video, that is against their constitution. Is your prophet really going to get upset by blasphemy? Is your faith so weak as to get derailed by someone burning a book or shooting a film? You have a right to get offended, but you have no right to expect others to abide by your religious doctrines.
For your information who wrote that USA is anti-islamic.There are many muslims living in USA more happier than the muslims in Islamic countries.If someone makes a film like this we can not blame the US government and its citizens for that.For your information please note that USA is a free country where you can express your opinion.Now what you have to observe here is that the person who made this film knows very well that muslims around the world would resort to violent protests and few would get killed or injured in police action.This is what he really wanted.He knows that no one in his country would protest and so their life would be smooth and peaceful.Therefore kindly do not react violently to such things.Do not make such people famous.Their intention is not just to make a film but its aftermath.Try to relise that. the producer of that film can not defame ISLAM AND ITS MESSAGE.Keep cool my friends.
My free of speech cannot touch your nose. I hope any one will not be happy when insulted in the name of freedom of speech specially religion. Please be mature and act wise not supid in the name of freedom of speech. Live and lets us live in peace
The protests are nothing but stunts by the political parties. The CM should take strict action against these elements.
My Friend, USA is anti islamic you can see double standards in Israel
and Palestine. They are providing n number of billions as a aid to
israel and for Palestine just a VETO.... What i am saying here is that
freedom of speech should be there but it should not hurt the feelings or
sentiments of a particular community... I accept the way which they
protested may be wrong but the protest was correct. US govt should
banned this film and show the world that they are not pro jewish and
anti islamic.
The freedom of expression is not a licence to do whatever you think or feel. If this is your freedom, then you should be ready to face the consequences. Also it is the duty of Government of the day to see that this freedom does not allowed to abuse others.
I totally condemn on this kind of agitation .however, would advice a peaceful protest to show our solidarity around muslim. This is a group or individuals mistake. But at the same time, we should have laws to ban or stop such type of videos or any sort of content that involves hurting any religious sentiments. Let it be anyone google, facebook etc. Islam is a religion of peace. "Allah does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion and did not drive you out of your homes. Verily, Allah loves those who deal with equity." Quran 60 :8
In a democratic country demonstrations are allowed, if people want to go on demonstration to show their frustrations then make it peaceful. Protests by TMMK which went violent is completely unacceptable and are against the tenets of Islam. It was purely a show to seek media attention.
Guys be fair before writing something on other communities rights and actions. If seen the violence, arson, protests and public property damage done by various political parties and Hindu organizations, why there was not a single condemning by all of you? Is it because they are Hindus? Here is some news recap to refresh your memories;
1.Sikhs in India protest for the shooting incident in USA with open swords before the US embassy at New Delhi. 2.Burning of American flags or demonstrations against US. The Sikhs were raising swords fists and ripping the American flag. 3.Burning of Indian flag by Sikhs in USA and Canada on our Independence Day.
This is really unnecessary. The US Consulate didn't have to do anything with the film. I hope calmer and common sense prevails among TN Muslims.
It is one thing to feel upset about the film but it's not right to target the consulate or its occupants, who had nothing to do with the film.
I agree to the sentimental aspect of how such a video can offend one's
religion but how does protesting in front of a consulate help?
I too felt that Chennai was much of a safer place to live. Because of a person's movie why are they attacking the US consulates and killed the US Ambassador in Libya. Why can't people think and reason out? Why do they imitate actions taken by people from other nationalities?
Yes, these guys should just think how they would feel if they are to be
blamed for what Osama Bin laden or other Muslim terrorists did. To blame
U.S for a movie which one guy directed does not make much sense.
Also, that movie is such a stupid movie which would not have been seen
by more than few hundreds, now all the protestors made it a famous movie
that will be watched by millions.
Not sure if the leaders have made any attempt to pacify the crowd that
it is not a movie made/produced/funded by the American govt.
Doesn't make sense, not the Madras I grew up in.
Political leaders including Jayalalitha should have spoken out strongly condemning the acts of violence in Cairo and Libya and warned of severe police action against Indian muslims and such other political parties against such idiotic behavior. But all politicians need the votes of muslims to stay in power and hence do not use common sense appoach. That is politics versus common sense !
Muslims around the world are protesting because they feel offended that the film portrays them as being violent.
And HOW are they protesting?? By resorting to violence!
These so-called protestors around the world don't even know what is the reality and who created this movie. If you ask this crowd, I am sure 99% of the folks won't even know why they are doing this. Another example to show how our political parties exploit common men in the country.
I have a suspicion this phenomenon in india now is a stage managed vote bank politics.
AS said by somebody"With or without religion, good people can behave well and bad people can do evil; but for good people to do evil, that takes religion.”This seems to be true in this case.
I agree with Kiran..I am born and brought up in Chennai..i always felt Chennai was one of the most tolerant among Indian states..and yet..here we are..
This is highly unfortunate and in fact shameful.That we allowed such a incident. My question is , does the average muslim citizen of india accept and would honor such an attack ?
also if you guys are so much against America why take such struggles and hardships to send them abroad through H1Bs and student visas?
No.........the visa applicants who had scheduled the interview for Monday have not been notified for the rescheduling options...!! They are still in dark and checking emails frequently as the VFS or the Consulate helpline do not have any information on this
What a shame! I always felt TN is one of the most educated states in India and it feels so sorry to see these guys take on the consulate for a film that someone else made! I thought when the first incident took place Jaya Lalitha madam would exercise strict discipline to avoid another incident. Can we at-least stop further such incidents?
This is a big setback for the otherwise good governance of Ms.
Jayalalithaa government.
If any of these groups or atleast people had stagesd a similar protest when Dr.Abdul kalam was frisked in US airport, i would've been happy. What they are doing now makes no sense as these protest is just a pain to our police and people living in that area or passing by.
Dear Muslim brothers, please protest against the film. Not against the consulate or the government of America. They have not involved in any case on this film. Damaging a consulate office put Chennai in a bad light besides hardship to the people availing consular service. Why police is not taking any action on the agitators?
These people bring a bad name to Muslims. India should take a strong stand against violent protests. The same thing happened in Australia and the government there put down the violent protests in a very strong way.
Why direct the anger on a whole nation if only one guy is responsible.Its like baranding the whole family as thiefs if one member commits theft.Grow up indian muslims.The thing we as a country need is more education and prosperity.Act responsibly my friends.
As we Tamils, we should not behave like this ....please restore to
wisdom tamil taught to u so far .....
I thought the people in Chennai are a tolerant lot. But seems this is getting reversed by seeing these protests ,especially the first day violence. Time for some soul searching.
The youtube film is in bad taste. But the response to the film is also in bad taste. Why cant the protesters, create a positive film and post it in response in the youtube page. And what message they are driving by picketing the consulate for 3 days? US stands for free speech ,they are not going to change it .
While universally the film has been condemned, such senseless , random
acts of violence will isolate the Muslims and they will loose the
sympathy they are getting.
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