Voices From The Cities

"A Hindu can criticise the US but if a Muslim does so, he is vulnerable to attack. The Sangh parivar sees every Muslim as a potential terrorist."

No one wants to discuss Osama bin Laden or Afghanistan with outsiders in Mumbai’s Mohammed Ali Road. Most people prefer to keep quiet and stay out of trouble.

"In the current atmosphere, it is not advisable for Muslims to protest by themselves. The protest should be under a larger umbrella where Hindus take the lead."

Though Osama posters were raised at the first Friday prayers after the US strikes in Afghanistan, the congregation was instructed to tone down any inflammatory rhetoric.

"They say I back Osama. That’s not true. It’s Bush who’s the terrorist. That’s why he refuses India’s help and turns to Pakistan. One terrorist will seek help from another."

A riot was feared in the city’s Shivajinagar area after a procession in favour of bin Laden was announced. Some imams intervened and the organisers called off the demonstration.

"Any group of Muslims found talking to each other can be picked up and charged. Why, even the UP CM threatened to act against any Muslim who takes Osama’s name."

Not many Muslim processions have been visible in the country. Hyderabad, with its long history of communal tension, became the focus of anti-US rabble-rousing.

"We’re preparing for jehad because no Muslim can bend before the US. The Taliban’s right when it wants to put women in purdah. Those who don’t don the veil are shameless."