Sunni cleric announces bounty on Taslima's head

Lucknow, Mar 15 (UNI) A Sunni cleric of the hardline Bareillvi sect today announced a bounty of Rs five lakh on the head of acclaimed Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen, who is already facing threats at home by fundamentalists.

Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan, Imam of Ala Hazrat Dargah and chairman of All India Muslim Personal Law Board (Jadid group) announced the fatwa against Nasreen at Bareilly.

Talking to mediapersons, the Maulana said the Centre should deny her a permanent citizenship.

He announced a cash reward of Rs five lakh for beheading her.

The Iman said it is the duty of clerics to punish those who are trying to ''insult'' Islam.

Firebrand Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen is staying in West Bengal for the last 12 yrs.

The author's works that have created controversies in Bangladesh and India include 'Lajja' (shame) and autobiographical 'Aamar Meyebela' (my girlhood days). Recenetly, her new book Dwikhandita was also banned by the West Bengal government.

Earlier, in February 2006, UP Haj Minister Haji Yakoob had announced a bounty of Rs 51 crore on the head of the Danish cartoonists for lampooning Prophet Mohammad in a publication.

Later, the minister was reprimanded by the UP Assembly Speaker for his remarks.

UNI