Author:
Publication: Saamana (Marathi Daily)
Date: May 17, 2003
Muslim MP dishonors Chhatrapati;
Shiv Sena stages Rasta Roko
A Muslim MP has recently disgraced
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, epitome of pride and patriotism for crores
of Hindus. Sultan Salauddin Owesi, MP from Hyderabad made a provocative
statement that Shivaji Maharaj was the first terrorist in the world.
The agitated Shiv Sainiks protested
and carried out street demonstrations at many places in Hyderabad on May
16. Muslims in Hyderabad had organized a programme on May 14 on the occasion
of the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammed. In this programme, Owesi,
an MP from Charminar, belonging to 'All India Majlis-Eh-Ittehadul Mislimeen'
made the provocative speech.
"Today Muslims are seen everywhere
with suspicion. They are called terrorists and ISI agents. It's all lie.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was the first terrorist in the world. He laid
the foundation of terrorism", he remarked. He also added, "Yatha Raja Tatha
Praja."
He alleged that the American action
against Afghanistan and Iraq was nothing but terrorism. The people behind
all this were people inclined towards terrorist activities like Shivaji
Maharaj. "Today Muslims are oppressed through out the world. Owesi said
with pride "Alah ki kasam, ham Musalman kisibhi takat ke age nahi zukenge".
(Swear by Allah, we Muslims will not bend before anybody).
The insulting remarks caused indignation
among Shivsainiks. Shiv Sainiks under the leadership of advocate Suresh
Jadhav, MP from Parbhani and Shiv Sena sampark pramukh for Andhra Pradesh
protested at many places. They carried out Rasta Roko at various places.
Slogans such as 'Har Suresh Jadhav Har Mahadev', 'Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
ki jay' were shouted all over the RTC Grass Road area. They also burnt
the effigy of Owesi. Suresh Jadhav warned that such insulting statements
against Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj would not be tolerated and such people
would not be spared.
