rediff.com: SIMI hits back at Vajpayee, Advani


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SIMI hits back at Vajpayee, Advani

The Students' Islamic Movement of India, under attack for its alleged role in the Kanpur riots, Saturday accused Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Home Minister L K Advani of "encouraging" Hindu communalists even as it demanded a debate on idol worship with reference to the demolition of Bamiyan Buddhas by the Taliban regime.

"By describing the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh as his soul and Ram temple as an expression of national sentiment, Vajpayee and Advani are encouraging communal elements in the Sangh Parivar," SIMI Secretary General Safdar Nagori told reporters in New Delhi.

Terming the alleged burning of the Holy Quran by some Sangh Parivar activists in Delhi as a "heinous crime", he asked the Centre to keep a check on the saffron brigade's activities and ban the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal.

"The Centre's soft corner for the Sangh Parivar was evident as it took it over 10 days to act against the culprits responsible for burning the Quran," Nagori said.

"By calling for the Indianisation of Islam and a 'Mahabharata' against anti-Hindus, organisations like the RSS are making minorities feel insecure and if these elements are not checked, they will cause anarchy in the country," he said.

However, Nagori declined to comment on the appropriateness of the demolition of the Bamiyan Buddhas by the Taleban rulers of Afghanistan.

PTI

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