NEW DELHI, FEB 24: Opposition members in Lok Sabha today took serious exception to the visa granted to Salman Rushdie, author of the controversial book Satanic Verses, for visiting India and demanded that it be immediately withdrawn since it had hurt Muslim sentiments.Raising the issue during the Zero Hour, E Ahamed (Muslim League) said Rushdie had committed ``blasphemy and wounded the sentiments of Muslims''.
Such a person should not be welcomed by India, Ahamed said adding that it was the duty of the Government to respect the sentiments of the people.
Supporting him, Laloo Prasad Yadav (RJD) and Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mohan Singh (both SP) accused the Government of attempting to incite communal passion and violence in the country by granting visa to Rushdie.
Ajit Jogi (Cong) and Ramdas Athawale (RPI) demanded a review of the Government's decision.
Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
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