SRINAGAR, Sept 20: Kashmir’s ruling National Conference has criticised a French publication for publishing cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad and demanded “immediate legal action” against the magazine.
“We strongly reaffirm our condemnation against anything that disrespects the prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and call on the French government to take legal actions against this because these cartoons are defaming and slandering to the entire Muslim Community” a local agency quoted as saying NC’s spokesman, Tanvir Sadiq
“The shameful and provocative cartoons made by French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo is highly condemnable,” he said.
Sadiq said the blasphemous caricature showed how some radical minded minority want to provoke people around the world for a “bloody clash”.
“We question the judgment behind the decision to publish it.”
The blasphemous content comes at a time when protests are taking place across the Muslim world, including Kashmir valley, over an amateurish US-made film titled ‘Innocence of Muslims’ which shows the Prophet of Islam in poor light.
The authorities in the valley have ordered closure of all educational institutions on Friday, fearing that protests could take a violent turn.
The spokesperson appealed to people to remain calm as “Islam teaches tolerance and peace”.
“Even though such acts will anger people further and might raise tensions but people should show their tolerance and peacefully express their disapproval,” he said.
