Bangalore Muslims protest Mumbai blasts, decry terrorism

Hundreds of activists belonging to different Muslim organizations gathered in front of the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Bangalore yesterday to register their protest against the Tuesday’s serial blasts in Mumbai.

The activists participated in the silent demonstration and held up posters condemning the bomb blasts in the trains of Mumbai. The protestors described violence against civilians as anti-Islamic and against the dictates of the Holy Quran.

Describing the attack as a blot on India’s secular fabric, legislator Naseer Ahmed said Muslims gathered for the protest had taken an oath to fight terrorism. “We have also taken an oath to oppose oppression of innocent people”, he said.

Member of All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) Maulana Qadeer Ahmed Shah, who also participated in the protest, said the goal of the terrorists behind Tuesday’s massacre Mumbai is to disturb communal harmony and weaken the country. “They have no intention other than this”, he said.

Chief priest of a Mosque in Bangalore Maulana Mohammed Haneef Afzar said Muslims and Hindus in various parts of India want to live together. “But, there are certain forces, who do not want Muslims and Hindus to live with peace and harmony. They also can’t stand the progress India is making”, he said.

Representative of Karnataka’ Waqf Welfare Board Zameer Ahmed Khan said terrorists, who were behind Tuesday’s train blasts in Mumbai and grenade attacks in Srinagar, had no religion. “They are neither Hindus nor Muslims. They are enemies of India”, he said.