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Muslim flays BJP for issuing visa to Rushdie

NEW DELHI: Muslims organisations held demonstrations to protest against giving visa to Salman Rushdie's by the BJP-led Indian government.

Hundreds of protestors marched through the parliament street in central Delhi, shouting slogans against Rushdie.

"Salman Rushdie down down. They have allowed a person into this country who is an enemy of Islam", an old man shouted as he tried to keep pace with his fellow protestors.

A demonstration was also held outside the Taj Mahal Hotel at Mansingh road, where the author was reportedly staying.

A heavy contingent of armed police stopped the protestors, and some were detained for what the police described infringing laws on mass assemblies. The police also threw a massive security ring around Obroi Hotel, where the Commonwealth Literary Prize ceremony was being held.

Asked about the security by newsman, Rushdie said he was rather pleased that no one found out about his trip for a week. He said he would be unable to visit Mumbai on his current trip, but hoped to do so in future.

The Muslim organisations criticised the centre's decision to grant the visa to Rushdie.

The shahi imam of Jama Masjid, Syed Abdullah Bukhari said the visa to Rushdie was an attempt by the BJP-led government to embarass the Muslim community. "It is yet another act to show enmity against Muslims", he said. The BJP government has done a series of things against Muslims, look at the Jamia episode and now this, he added.

In his address before the Friday prayers at Jama Masjid, the Naib Imam said Rushdie could not be tolerated and that granting him visa has hurt Muslim sentiments. APP