16 March, 2006

The Editor,

The Organiser,

New Delhi.

Sir,

I have read Shri P.K. Ohri’s observation on Statement 7 of Census 2001 Report.  He has presented a misleading picture, calculated to incite fear and apprehension in the mind of the Hindus.  I have consulted eminent demographers and they agree with me that a higher proportion of children in the age 1-6 is a natural consequence in the higher rate of growth of the Muslim community.  It is subsumed in the Census report on rate of growth and cannot be projected as an additional factor.  The higher rate of growth of the Muslim community is due to educational and economic factors and not to any religious or political factor.

Yours faithfully,

(SYED SHAHABUDDIN)