Thursday, November 27, 2008
Prominent Indian American Muslim leaders condemn Mumbai attacks
New York - November 26, 2008 - Prominent Indian-American leaders
condemn the coordinated terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India.
We, the undersigned Indian American activists and representatives,
condemn the cowardly attacks uequivocally as crimes against humanity.
According to media reports gunmen have carried out a series of
coordinated attacks across the Indian city of Mumbai (Bombay), killing
more than 100 people and injuring around 300 more. At least seven
high-profile locations were hit in India's financial capital, including
two luxury hotels where dozens of hostages are being held. A previously
unknown group calling itself Deccan Mujahideen has claimed the
responsibility for the attack.
We express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims of
these heinous attacks. Our thoughts and prayers are with the hostages
especially those who were guests of India and were visiting from the US
and UK. We stand in solidarity with the family of Anti Terrorism Squad
Chief Hemant Karkare who was courageously heading the inquiry against
the recent Malegaon bomb blasts in which Hindu supremacists including
military officers and some religious leaders were implicated.
We appeal to all Indians to stay united and foil the evil designs of
the terrorists whose main objective is to fan the flames of discord and
hatred. We urge the political parties not to exploit these terrorist
acts for political purposes.
We are alarmed over the sophistication and military level planning seen
in these coordinated attacks and on the failure of the intelligence
agencies in preventing such a huge and widespread attack. We demand
that the federal and state governments bring the perpetrators of these
actions to justice swiftly.
Dr. Shahid Ali Khan
Indian Minorities Advocacy Network
Manzoor Ghori
Indian Muslim Relief and Charities
Dr. Khursheed Mallick
American Muslim Physicians of Indian Origin (AMPI)
Dr. Shaik Ubaid
New York
Saeed Patel
New Jersey
Dr. Syed S. Ahmed
Chicago, IL
Dr. Shaik O. Saeed
Milwaukee, WI
Syed Azmatullah Quadri
Chicago, IL
Habeeb Ahmed
Long Island, NY
Contact person: Shaik Ubaid
E-Mail:su204@aol.com
Council on American-Islamic Relations condemns Mumbai attacks
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 11/27/08) - A prominent national Islamic civil rights and advocacy group today condemned attacks on a number of sites in the Indian financial capital of Mumbai that left at least 100 people dead and many more injured.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) also called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages taken during the attacks. Witnesses say the attackers sought out American and British citizens.
SEE: Dozens Die in Mumbai Attacks (Washington Post)
In a statement, CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad said:
“We condemn these cowardly attacks and demand that all hostages taken by the attackers be released immediately and unconditionally. We offer sincere condolences to the loved ones of those killed or injured in these senseless and inexcusable acts of violence against innocent civilians. American Muslims stand with our fellow citizens of all faiths in repudiating acts of terror wherever they take place and whomever they target.”
SEE: CAIR’s Anti-Terrorism Campaigns
The Washington-based group also asked the Indian government to protect all its citizens from the type of retaliatory attacks that have taken place following similar incidents in the recent past.
CAIR, America's largest Islamic civil liberties group, has 35 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
Muslim organizations in India condemn Mumbai terror attacks
Condemning the terror attacks on Mumbai, several Muslim organisations, including the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind and Jamiat Ulem-e-Hind, and some prominent individuals today appealed to the people to rise above politics and face the threat to the nation unitedly.
[...]
Paying tribute to the policemen, including the Maharashtra ATS chief, who laid down their lives while fighting the terrorists, they said the officers should be bestowed with highest honour by a grateful nation. Besides the Jamaat chief Syed Jalaluddin Ansari and Jamiat president Mehmood Madani, the statement was also sighed by Jamia Hamdard chancellor Syed Hamid, Bahujan Samaj Party General Secretary Shahid Siddiqui, former MP Syed Shahabuddin, All India Muslim Majlis Mushawarat president Zafrul Islam Khan and SQR Ilyas, Member All India Muslim Personal Law Board.
Read the whole article at:
http://news.webindia123.com/news/Articles/India/20081127/1115108.html
Organization of the Islamic Conference condemns Mumbai attacks
A spokesperson of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) strongly condemned yesterday’s series of shootings and blasts by terrorists in Mumbai, which killed and wounded dozens of people.
Expressing deep regret over the death of innocent people due to the attacks, the spokesperson conveyed heartfelt condolences to the Indian Government and the families of the victims and wished for the speedy recovery of the wounded.
Read more at:
http://www.oic-oci.org/oicnew/topic_detail.asp?t_id=1642
Editor's Note: the OIC is the second largest inter-governmental organization after the United Nations which has membership of 57 states spread over four continents. The Organization is the collective voice of the Muslim world and ensuring to safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony among various people of the world.
Arab League, Egypt denounce terrorist attacks in India
CAIRO, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa condemned on Thursday the series of terrorist attacks in India's Mumbai which killed at least 101 people on Wednesday.
Moussa expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and to the Indian government and people, noting that such terrorist attacks aggravate the vicious circle of violence.
Meanwhile, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak issued a presidential statement on Thursday denouncing the terrorist attacks.
Mubarak offered his condolence to the families of the victims and said Egypt will stand by the side of India in countering terrorism and extremism, said the statement.
Read the whole article at:
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-11/27/content_10423081.htm
Editor's Note: Egypt is a Muslim country (Muslim population: 90 percent)
-As well, while not all Muslims are Arabs, the vast majority of Arabs are Muslims.
Indonesia condemns Mumbai terror attacks
Jakarta - Indonesia condemned Thursday the terrorist attacks in Mumbai that killed at least 101 people, calling the attacks 'cruel and inhumane' and expressed hope that the perpetrators will be swiftly arrested and brought to justice.
'The government of Indonesia strongly condemns the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India. The terrorist attacks are cruel and inhumane acts,' the foreign ministry said in a statement.
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/asiapacific/news/article_1445328.php/Indonesia_condemns_Mumbai_attacks_
Editor's note: Indonesia is the world's largest Muslim country (Muslim population: over 86 percent).
Pakistan condemns Mumbai attacks
ISLAMABAD, Nov 27 (APP): Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Thursday strongly condemned the terrorist attacks in Mumbai last night that led to loss of innocent lives. The Foreign Minister said terrorism is a menace threatening humanity, and stressed the need for joining hands in fighting this scourge.
Read the whole article at:
http://www.app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=60453
Pakistan is a Muslim country (Muslim population: 95 percent).
Iran condemns Mumbai terror attacks
Iran's foreign ministry on Thursday strongly condemned the "evil" attacks that left more than 100 people dead in India's financial hub of Mumbai, AFP reports.
Foreign ministry spokesman Hassan Ghashghavi also offered the Islamic republic's "condolences to the Indian people and government and families of the victims of this terrorist incident," the state broadcaster's website said.
Read the whole article at:
http://www.focus-fen.net/index.php?id=n161040
Iran is a Muslim country (Muslim population: 98 percent)
Malaysia condemns terrorist attacks in Mumbai
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Government has condemned the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India, that have claimed more than 100 lives.
In a statement issued by Wisma Putra on Thursday, the Government expressed shock, saying it is saddened over the senseless acts of violence.
“The Government of Malaysia condemns in the strongest terms, the horrific terrorist attacks on a number of major public places at the heart of Mumbai.
“The Government of Malaysia is deeply shocked and saddened that the senseless acts of violence, deliberately directed at civilian targets designed to inflict maximum human casualties, has claimed the lives of so many innocent civilians besides injuring an equally large number of others.
Read the whole article at:
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/11/27/nation/20081127152958&sec=nation
Muslim Council of Britain condemns Mumbai attacks
MCB Condemns Terrorist Attacks in Mumbai, Extends Condolences to Victims' Families
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US-based Indian-American Muslim organization condemns Mumbai attacks
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 27, 2008
Indian Muslim Council-USA (IMC-USA: http://www.imc-usa.org), an advocacy group dedicated towards safeguarding India’s pluralist and tolerant ethos, denounces in strongest possible terms the terror attacks in Mumbai, the financial capital of India. IMC-USA empathizes with the families of victims, hostages and police officers killed in the attacks and hopes for the safe release of the hostages.
According to reports, a series of bomb blasts and shootings in the city's main train station, a hospital, luxury hotels and tourist attractions have killed and injured more than one hundred people. Dozens, many of them foreign tourists, are also reportedly taken hostage by these armed groups of young men at different locations. Several police personnel including Anti-Terrorism Squad chief Hemant Karkare were also killed and many more injured while engaging the militants. Rasheed Ahmed, President of IMC-USA said: “The perpetrators of these crimes against humanity should be captured and punished to the maximum extent of the law.”
IMC-USA calls on the Indian government to find ways to increase the safety and security of ordinary citizens as well as provide immediate and adequate compensation to all the victims of this carnage. Recent years have witnessed an alarming growth in the number of groups committing mindless acts of violence against innocent civilians. In the past few months alone there has been a string of bomb blasts in many cities, ethnic cleansing and targeting of minorities, police harassment and scapegoating of innocent civilians and fake encounter killings. “The Home Minister is responsible for this widespread deterioration of law & order and security situation and should be held accountable”, stated Rasheed Ahmed.
The current attack also highlights the lapse in the intelligence gathering of the different law enforcement agencies. “More than two dozen terrorists seem to have let loose a string of blasts and shootings in different locations; a coordinated attack on this scale with the number of people involved points to a major failure on the part of the intelligence agencies”, he further added.
IMC-USA also calls on the Indian government to setup a high level commission to investigate the increasing scourge of violence and terrorism in the country and ways to engage the civil society in effectively curbing this menace.
Indian Muslim Council-USA is the largest advocacy organization of Indian Muslims in the United States with 10 chapters across the nation.
CONTACT:
Dr. Hyder Khan
phone/fax:1-800-839-7270
email: media@imc-usa.org
RELATED NEWS:
At Least 100 Dead in India Terror Attacks
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/27/world/asia/27mumbai.html
Terror hits Mumbai again
http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/terror-hits-mumbai-again/01/31/341526/
Mumbai attacks leave India reeling
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7751638.stm
ATS chief, 2 other top police officers killed
http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/nov/27mumbai-ats-chief-killed-in-mumbai-terror-attack.htm
Illinois Muslims Condemn Mumbai Bombings
Chicago, IL – November 26, 2008 – The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (the Council) condemned the Mumbai terror attacks.
“Today’s terror attacks on the residents of Mumbai are vile and reprehensible and the Illinois Muslim community condemns them without reservation” remarked Abdul Malik Mujahid, Chairman of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and the victims’ families.”
India is home to over 200 million Muslims with a centuries long history of peaceful co-existence with India’s Hindu majority and with the other religious minorities such as the Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains. A substantial percentage of the 400,000 Illinois Muslims are from India or are the children of Indian immigrants.
“We are confident that Indian security and law enforcement authorities will return order and security to Mumbai” said Junaid M. Afeef, the Council’s Executive Director.
The Council also noted that India has a sordid history of communal violence that stains an otherwise tolerant and peaceful history of co-existence. The Council urged Indian authorities at the local, state and national level to be vigilant in safe-guarding its religious minorities in the wake of today’s attacks.
“Today’s violence was carried out by extremists and one of our concerns is also that other extremists will exploit it to commit reprisal attacks against more innocent civilians” noted Afeef.
The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (the Council) is a federation of over 50 mosques and Muslim organizations throughout the metropolitan Chicago region. The Council’s members collectively represent over 400,000 Muslims. The Council is works to coordinate the activities of the Muslim community as well as provide education, training, networking and advocacy to and on behalf of our member organizations.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
National Muslim advocacy group condemns Zawahri's comments about Barack Obama
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 11/19/08) - A prominent national Islamic civil rights and advocacy group today condemned threatening rhetoric and racial slurs contained in a new video by Ayman al-Zawahri and said Al-Qaida's second-in-command does not speak for Muslims in this country or worldwide.
SEE: Al-Qaida No. 2 Insults Obama with Racial Epithet (AP)
In a statement reacting to the new video, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) said:
"As Muslims and as Americans, we will never let terrorist groups or terror leaders falsely claim to represent us or our faith. The legitimate grievances of Muslims in many areas of the world can never serve as an excuse or a justification for attacks on civilian populations. We once again repudiate Al-Qaida's actions, rhetoric and worldview and re-state our condemnation of all forms of terrorism and religious extremism."
SEE: CAIR's Anti-Terrorism Campaigns
CAIR took particular offense to al-Zawahri's use of the offensive term "house Negro" in reference to President-elect Barack Obama. "Islam rejects racism and seeks universal peace and brotherhood. We repudiate any and all use of racial slurs or insults."
The Washington-based council recently welcomed the arrest of two teenagers who allegedly assaulted a New York Muslim of African heritage on Election Night after reportedly shouting 'Obama' and condemned a cross-burning on the lawn of an Obama supporter in New Jersey.
SEE: CAIR-NY Welcomes Arrests in Election Night 'Obama' Attack
SEE ALSO: CAIR Condemns Cross Burning on Lawn of NJ Obama Supporters
CAIR, America's largest Islamic civil liberties group, has 35 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Biggest, clearest rejection of terror from Muslims worldwide issued in India
Nearly 6,000 senior Islamic clerics from around the country endorsed a fatwa (edict) against terror issued on May 31 by influential Islamic seminary Darul Uloom, Deoband. On Sunday, 50,000 more are expected to put their signatures on it, making it the biggest and clearest rejection of terror by Muslims. The fatwa had made headlines around the world and was first reported by HT.
Darul Uloom, some 100 km north of Delhi, is one of Islam’s two most-revered theological schools — the other being Al-Azhar in Cairo — and is often charged with propagating a radical version of the religion.
On the first day of the 29th annual convention of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind here on Saturday, clerics endorsed the fatwa, which was issued under the seal of Darul’s grand mufti Habibur Rehman. The fatwa was ratified by three other Darul clerics, as required.
On Sunday, the open session of the convention, comprising of 50,000 clerics and community leaders will endorse the fatwa. “We did not have a chance to endorse the fatwa when it was issued because people like me stay far away. I am happy to be part of the campaign now,” Syed Ahmed, a tribal cleric from the Northeast.Read the whole article at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/
StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=Cricket&id=
a522ef86-a5a0-44a8-9545-1b1a1919c65c&MatchID1=4816&TeamID1=
6&TeamID2=1&MatchType1=1&SeriesID1=1212&PrimaryID=4816&Headline=
No+terror+please%2c+say+6%2c000+Muslim+clerics
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Christian, Muslim leaders vow to combat terror
Catholic and Muslim leaders at unprecedented Vatican meetings vowed on Thursday to work together to combat violence and terrorism, especially when carried out in God's name.
At the end of three days of meetings, the 58 scholars and leaders -- 29 from each side -- issued a 15-point final joint declaration which also included an appeal for the defence of minority religions.
[...]
"We profess that Catholics and Muslims are called to be instruments of love and harmony among believers, and for humanity as a whole, renouncing any oppression, aggressive violence and terrorism, especially that committed in the name of religion, and upholding the principle of justice for all," the declaration said.
Read the whole article at:http://in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-36367120081106
