IUML decries linking of terrorism to Islam

Decrying the tendency to ascribe every act of terrorism to Islam, National President of Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) G M Banatwala regretted that the foiled attack on Glasgow airport had been blown out of proportions to create a “sensational piece of news”.

Speaking to reporters after addressing the national convention of IUML in Bangalore on Saturday, Banatwala sought to clarify that Islam preached peace and harmony and not terrorism.

“Let us remember that two persons had been detained for investigations and no charges had been made so far. It is premature to say anything. Even if the two are guilty, let us underline the fact that they are two out of the 150 to 200 million Muslims in India What is more, they were in Britain and not on Indian soil”, Banatwala said.

He also asserted that the authorities should deal with breach of peace and law and order in the society strictly.

Blaming the West for giving birth to terrorism across the globe, the IUML President emphasized the need to debate the circumstances in the world that had brought the situation to such a head. He was apparently referring to the manner in which the crisis in West Asia had been handled by the US and Britain.

The Glasgow terror plot had cast its shadow on the IUML’s national convention in Bangalore, which was scheduled to discuss a host of issues.

President of Karnataka’s Forum for Dignity K M Sharief said any act of terrorism, irrespective of the religion of the perpetrator, was condemnable. “It is too soon to draw conclusions. But, all speculations made in the media and the public, implicating the whole community is very hurting”, he said.

Noted Kannada writer Banu Mushtaq regretted the circle suspicion surrounding the entire Muslim community even before the culpability of the detained Muslim youths in the Glasgow terror strike has been established. “How do Muslims who believe in secular ideology survive in a situation like this?”, she queried.