I have a problem with some hi-fi Mr XYZ and I strongly feel that I am on the right side. What shall I do to protect my rights?
I will wait for an opportunity to be in a position to confront him, to convince him, in my way, of what wrongs he has done to me or my group or my nation. I will not just walk away saying that ‘I can’t even think of participating in a programme wherein Mr. XYZ may also be present’.
But this is exactly what Imran Khan did when he refused to attend and address the India Today’s annual conclave in New Delhi; why, only because Salman Rushdie will also speak on the occasion.
It is worth noting that Imran Khan was not going to be an ordinary attendee sitting on the back of the hall, never to get a chance even to ask a question. Imran was going to be one of the speakers, with ability to comprehend in good English, supposed to be knowledgeable and influential person.
But he refused to attend; perhaps this politically motivated decision might have been appraised by some people in Pakistan but we regret he missed the opportunity to express his views and arguments provided he thinks he has a valid point against Rushdie.
Remember Muntadhar Al-Zaidi, the Iraqi journalist; he missed no chance to humiliate President Bush – only because he was not going to get another such chance and also he was dead sure that he was on the right side.Perhaps, Capitan is playing on a weak pitch.
MASOOD KHAN
Jubail, Saudi Arabia
