Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (NR)

Mangalore Sep 11:  A cartoon published by a Swedish Newspaper Nerikes Allehanda has raised the hackles of the Jamaat Ahmadiyya, a Muslim sect in Karnataka. The community has expressed its resentment over the said cartoon, which it alleges is published in poor taste.

A press release issued here from Dr Syed A A Javaz, the press secretary of the Jamaat Ahmadiyya informs that the cartoon published in the said newspaper by the Swedish artist Lars Vilks depicts the Prophet Mohammed as a roundabout dog. It has been published with the alleged intention of hurting the sentiments of the Muslims and causing anxiety, disturbance and restlessness within the Muslim community.

The publishers of the paper were attacking the holy prophet in the name of the freedom of press and freedom of expression, declared Dr Javaz in the press release, expressing his deep anguish.

Further the press release informs that the Jamaat Ahmadiyya of Karnataka strongly condemns the publication of the cartoon. Dr. Javaz remarked that Islam is a religion of peace and harmony but the repeated incident recurrence of such events, especially in Europe has made the Muslim community to feel apprehensive.

The Jamaat Ahmadiyya Muslim Community sees it as an effort to create communal disharmony among the different faiths.