Muslims rally against the controversial film for the fifth day
On a day when Chennai witnessed yet another anti-U.S. protest that turned violent, city Police Commissioner J.K. Tripathy was transferred.
The transfer came days after the U.S. mission in the city was attacked by a large crowd of Muslims protesting against the controversial film Innocence of Muslims. The protesters almost entered the consulate after breaching the security cordon with ease.
S. George, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order), a 1984 IPS officer, was named successor to Mr. Tripathy, who has been shifted as ADGP (Prisons). Mr. Tripathy held the post of Commissioner since May last year.
The stretch of Anna Salai from the Mount Road Dargah to Spencer Plaza, was a scene of violence, as the police resorted to lathi- charge to control members of various Islamic organisations who had hurled stones at the police.
On the fifth day of the protest against the American film, over 5,000 people belonging to nearly 25 Islamic organisations gathered near Holy Dargah Hazrath Syed Moosa Sha Khaderi, popularly called Mount Road Dargah, around 3.30 p.m. They shouted slogans against U.S. President Barack Obama; flung footwear at his pictures and burnt his effigies and the American flag.
Over the last few days, Muslim outfits held such protests. Mohammed Munir, vice-president, India Thowheed Jamaath, said Tuesday’s protest was to show the collective strength of Muslims. “Muslims across the city came together to show how unfair it is to ridicule the prophet who is dearer than our lives.”
The government also effected changes in respect of a couple of other police officers. T.K. Rajendran, ADGP/Director of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption, was made ADGP (Law and Order). Satish Kumar Dogra, now ADGP/IG (Prisons), would be the new Director of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption.
Keywords: Muslims rally, Islamic organisations protest, controversial English film, anti-U.S. protest, U.S. Consulate attack
@ Mukhtar Damudi - I agree that insult to one's religion is not right and yes, it must be protested against. Don't draw an unfair comparison with protest made by Hindus or people from other religions, violence is not supported in any religion. We must show them that we are from a better breed (as Indians) and protest in a way that such films are shamed into not being made again. How is harming the society and people (who have a family) doing anyone any good ? We are kindling a fire which needs to be doused. Think and act fellow Indians.
it is indeed hard to believe that chennai muslims are doing this; they are very nice, tolerant people otherwise.
@Ram & Vishal - If Hindu or Bal Thakre Parties people protest, you have no objection, if Muslim protest, you have objection, why it is so. India is secular country, everybody can protest. America, eorope & Israyi are enemies of Muslim, Islam and Muslim country. Why America etc is not respect Islam. We respect all religion, and should respect all religions and all people. Why America issued licence to particular Film, that insult Muslim, Islam and our beloved Prophet(Peace be upon him)
We can't tolelrate of insult of our religion.
If you really love prophet Mohammad[pbuh]you should have followed his foot steps by not causing inconvenience to others.In jumma prayers our prophet [pbuh]had forbidden one to crossover one's shoulder to come to the forwarded row just not to cause a simple inconvenience to fellow brothers. I am afraid he would have been hurt by these types of violent protests.Brothers grow up don't be puppets to the opportunistic leaders.
really sad to see these riots tht r occurring at many places across the world bcoz of a movie tht is made in
US.. if u wanna protest, u can do it in a more peaceful manner
Islam is a religion of PEACE. Even Jihad is a peaceful activity. So
please show true Islamlic values.
Whatever might be the justification for anger, the same should not be demonstrated in a
manner that causes hardship to the public and come in the way of their free movement in
roads and streets and those who indulge in damaging public properties in the name of
protest should be dealt with, with an iron hand, if social peace has to be maintained.
We muslim respect PROPHET MOSES, PROPHET ESSA who are all messengers of ALMIGHTY. Why is that these people do not respect PROPHET MUHAMMAD, which is exactly the problem of the western world. Freedom of expression has its own limitations.
We dont have any problem who is doing what, but if muslims are attacked,
we will ask manmohan singh, the local government, the local authorities
and they are to be held responsible, Manmohan singh cant turn away,
someone killing someone, I dont involve. If our prophet is shown in a
bad light then it should the responsibility of the US government to
control their civilians, US cant tell that its a freedom of speech. Can
the US shut their mouth when someone talks indecently to Mr.Obama or
Mrs. Obama, then too he should keep quiet.
The US constitution protects free speech. That protection goes to all speech whether
it is intelligent speech or words of a deranged individual. It is for the public to use
their intelligence to determine how to react to this free speech. The violence we see
in response to the video made with poor judgement is THE primary reason for the
existence of first amendment to the US constitution to protect any speech.
Its sad to know that we have such a big crowd who are just ready to be incited by some stupid individual who made a nonsense film ? why don't you react the same way against corruption in our own country rather than generalizing and attacking another country because of an individual? why are you attacking our security force and vandalizing our towns for the sake of protest? Protest is ok but think well.. is it worth to destroy our own property or cause violence against our own people ?
An amateurish short film made in US with private funding (US govt has
got no direct link in the making, and has denounced it) has left a bad
taste and has been condemned by the right thinking people around the
globe.
Having said that, I feel pity for my fellow brethren, who by violently
demonstrating in a secular democracy like India, are alienating
themselves. Muslims need to be tolerant, Islam as a religion is more
strong and resilient to such cheap attacks and maligning tactics. Make
your voice heard in a decent way. Express your resentment more
diplomatically, the world will admire you. It is quite embarrassing,
when we behave so immaturely jumping into the streets and indulging in
violence and in the process damaging the very own idea of Islam.
Search for your keys, where you lost it... not where there is light
(or where it is convenient).
It is really dissapointing to see Chennai brought down by these violent protests
because of a third rate movie produced by a nameless maverick. People involved in
damaging public property should be named and judicial probe conducted. Politicians instigating this protest should be held accountable for these actions and be actively isolated and shunned by the media and the public. This
should be openely debated in all media and the futility of this dangerous over reaction publicised. Chennai is a great cosmopolitan city where all religions can peacefully co exist. Let us not spoil it....
It brings a lot of sadness that such insensible things are happening in Chennai. We should know that there would always be people who would do things that are against our values, but hijacking our city and our people for an insensitive deed done by someone in another country is not right.
By doing a violent protest we are just adding fuel to the fire and we are just providing the right ammunition to those who misuse Islam.
Please fellow muslims grow up.
No one has the right to insult any religion and the anger that has
surged up in the minds of millions of Muslims around the globe is
understandable.But is violence the teaching of the Prophet? Prophet
laid emphasis on the five human values.Violence doesn't even come
close to those five values.This is the foundation of all religions.But
no one cares to value the VALUES.We fight over petty differences.
Everyone claims they are religious but behave the opposite like a
blind fanatic.Raise our voice against atrocities the way it should be
done and not by actions that cause unrest in the society and between
sections.If we behave according to our whims and fancies and believe
that the teachings exemplified by our great masters are outdated and
doesn't stand the test of time,then please don't call ourselves a
Hindu or Muslim or Christian.We deserve those names only with our
conduct.
please make a note that our beloved prophet(PBUH) had suffered personally more abusive and hatred than this and he himself told to be peace for his religion,nobody cannot underestimate his greatness...
Is this not the height of stupidity? There are million reasons to
protest. There seems to be none to protest killings of Muslims in Iraq
or Libya or Assam... however, they seem to ready to protest a movie
that nine of ten would not have seen at all.
Don't you see the coincidence in this case where the police commissioner
has been transferred unceremoniously and the one in which the Mumbai
police commissio0ner also met with the same fate. Isn;t it looking like
elected ministers and governments shielding themselves by making a
scapegoat of police personnel instead of quelling the riots and taking
political accountability expected of them. What price political
accountability? Not a happy development this. Police commissioners are
not sacrificial goats.
Film was made and exhibited in US, not in India. Then what's the meaning
of such a havoc? The muslims in US should have made demonstrations
before white house, not at St George Fort of Chennai...!
I fear Chennai might loose its secular status after such protests.
Violence is violence and it is supposed to be a crime. Protest against a
film is an excuse to commit. There are several ways to voice protest.
Doing arson is a crime whatever the "excuse" is. Jayalalitha who had
"guts" to sponsor "sedition" and false "murder" charges against
Koodankulam protestors has now become a "mute spectators" against these
arson committers. Shame! She is after all afraid of this religion?
West can't do monopoly in the name of freedom. Muslims has proud history of respecting other religions and never ever wrote anything against them it is the teaching of prophet not to say anything to other religions and respect them
Throughout history, Judaism, Christianity and Islam have fought each other and the rest of us in the name of their religion. It is sad that despite having swelled in numbers through numerous underhanded actions, these religions are so insecure about themselves that they keep undermining & insulting each other and fighting and killing each other. It is sad that some of the relatively peaceful religions get caught up in this nonsense and suffer.
What has Obama/US Govt to do with the movie. If someone in india
launches a porn actress in a movie, will u blame Manmohan/Indian Govt for
that!!! Its a world of internet, there may be political boundaries, but
there are no boundaries in the world of internet!! Grow Up brothers...
Show the world that you are capable of peaceful protests.
Why are they causing grievance to the public at large in chennai
when the movie was made by an American? Also, how does 1 american
citizen equate to the entire country? Also, how many of those
protesting have actually viewed the distress-causing film?
Precisely right @ Xavier Sunder. Unfortunately, USA has a set of its own rules, which seems to be ineffective to contain such elements. Just imagine; its ambassador in Libya is killed by unruly mob and USA instead taking action on the culprit it is sending warships to Libya. Where does this lead to?
I wish the Muslim community adopt peaceful protests, taking legal remedies and highlighting to the media, how it affects their sentiments. The more this issue is ignored the more better. The rogue director has become already the most famous person for all wrong reasons. I hope the other communities will understand that and respect the protests made in a peaceful manner by Muslims in India.
why always police officers being targeted ? Vote hungry politicians direct police not to take action and police officers do the same . Same thing happened in Mumbai also . Why can't you impose a 144 rule in that area ?
This is precisely why such films are made, violence cannot solve your issues neither it will deter anyone, think of a legal remedy against this film and the film maker.
Why do you call it an "American film"?
I thought Chennai had a little more common sense.
Really sad to see this.One man making an even more idiotic 'trailer' at the other end of the world.Is that all it takes to rile these guys up?
Dear Muslim Friends please express your anger with Peace Full Protest; don’t do any harm to anyone which is against ISLAMIC Principles. Our Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) never appreciated Violence in any form.
Police should completely stop these kinds of protest affecting general public and public properties.
religious extremism should never be tolerated, especially something over
as silly as a youtube video
While Mohammed Munir, vice-president, India Thowheed Jamaath,has every
right to his opinion, he has to first open his thinking horizon. The
merits of the film apart, The film is neither Indian, not by an
Indian; not even of Indian origin, then "Why are you creating hell
here?" What have the Indian police and Chennai police to do with this
picture of yours? If you do not like it, do not see it. As such, the
government has blocked the sites. Looks more like they want to show
off their hooliganism in the garb of religion. Any person in his
senses would acknowledge the meaningless violence in India for
something which has nothing to do with India.
Any foreign embassy place belongs to that country; breach of its security constitutes an act of war against that country;these anti-nationals are playing with fire; it seems that political parties are behind can go away.Why police are behaving so irresponsible? shoot@sight orders must be implemented for any one violating security and resorting to violence.these things must be dealt with iron hand.
I can understand the protest against the Anti islamic video and I support the protest. BUT, I dont understand why these people are carrying PAKISTAN flags in their hand in that protest. Does pakistan represent islam/allah? It's a country flag and our rival.
Citizens cannot take the law into their hands. It is absolutely ridiculous that the Govt. is transferring its officers in the wake of these hoodlums misbehaving against foreign consulates for some convoluted reasons of insult. Protesting is acceptable but not hooliganism and holding the normal life of the city to ransom It is evident that these are really political rallies against our friendly nation instead of some perceived religious disrespect.
Don't hate so much that you will destroy property and peace in the very country that you live in. Muslims all over India need to be peaceful and respectful of India. They choose to live in India a secular country and not move to Pakistan - that fact needs to be appreciated.
Why the police personals were transferred? for the Lati charge or the failure in intelligence?
Very dissapointed with jayalalitha. Usually she is very tough on miscreants disrupting law
and order.
We have a bunch of people defaming india,
disrupting traffic, disrupting small businesses and creating loss to the tune of several
crores. And we don't even have an official statement from the CM.
Who can tell the protestors that neither Obama nor the US government nor any of her
citizens have a role in the matter. It is necessary to protest against only the maker
of the film who has consciously been indecent and has hurt the feelings of
many around the globe.
BUt in any such matter, poor officials are sacrificed as scape goats. My sympathies
are with them ;
As much as it is foolish and lame to blame Muslims for terrorists
activities for the activities of a few minority misguided cadre, it is
also equally true that Americans cannot be targeted per se for the
poor film. Americas liberal laws are such that
they cannot act in haste.
google should have withdrawn the controversial clip, its refusal to do so is irresponsible.
These people do not represent me. As an Indian Muslim, this embarasses me. Dont get me wrong, I am all for protesting and dissent - that is the heart and soul of a democracy. But trying to hold the US responsible for this is ridiculous. Assad is massacring Muslims everyday - what about protesting that? or better still send aid there or volunteer there. Do something to help the Palestinians. Democracy allows this person to speak his mind and we should all respect that. Period.
I can't believe this is happening in Chennai!!
I have not seen such a crowd protesting when 40,0000 innocent Tamil people were
killed (UN figures) in Sri lanka's North in 2009. This protest is about a film, imagine
how this people will protest if innocent .... were killed today.
What are they protesting against? The short amateur movie was shown in a
private theater and US government intervened & banned the further
showing of the movie. Now the whole world is protesting against this. So
what are they expecting out of the protest? What do they get by burning
effigies of Obama, when he was in no way involved in this movie show?
It is bad to ridicule one's sentiment and belief. I strongly oppose that
movie. But the anger to create violence or kill someone, should
be stopped at any cost and the law and order should be maintained.
Hi
This is unwarranted and the local government must take action against
the leaders of these organizations and those who are instigating them.
The muslim leaders must also realize that these kinds of violence and
repeated protests in Chennai will not yield anything but only create
chaos and mayhem in chennai.
It is high time that these Muslim organizations stop this protest, they have protested enough and American consulate is aware of it. Hope they don't take it too far.
So what is the objective of these protesters? The movie is a parody and
moreover it does not represent the country's view on Prophet. Attacking
the US mission is just absurd.
We used to believe Tamil Nadu is the most secular state in India, this
communal protest is a black mark on Tamil Nadu. Why the such protests are
not happening in Mumbai and Bengaluru?
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