Ignore the calls for intolerance... By Sania
01 November, 2012
What an intolerant nation of self-denying haters we all are. Anything that threatens to dislodge our fantasies of 'pious grandeur' sends us into a frenzy. Liberal and enlightened individuals from the educated strata of society were delighted when they heard that the city government had decided to name Fawara Chowk in Shadman, Lahore after brave Indian freedom fighter Bhagat Singh. Now the powers that be have decided against this because "certain elements in society" have protested against the naming of any major landmarks or roads after anyone who is not a Muslim. Forget the fact that this man fought with dignity and valour, forget that he deserves as many accolades as he can get and forget that we are supposed to be a compassionate, fair nation. Why has the government capitulated to such fanatical voices? Such calls for intolerance must be ignored and the authorities must move ahead with their original plans. Let them scream themselves hoarse with their bigotry and insults — we must carry on with some much needed level-headedness. SANIA KHAN
Lahore
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