IMC-USA condemns the bomb blasts targeting worshipers in Hyderabad
May 18, 2007
Indian Muslim Council – USA (http://www.imc-usa.org), an advocacy group dedicated towards safeguarding India’s pluralist and tolerant ethos, condemns the bomb blasts in the prominent Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad, India, timed during the Friday congregational prayer aimed at inflicting maximum casualties.
Mecca Masjid, a historical 17th century mosque, not far from the famed Charminar in one of the largest mosques in Hyderabad. During Friday congregational prayers, the number of Muslims attending the service runs into several thousands. According to initial reports, prayers were in progress when the bombs were triggered by remote control, highlighting the planning and intent of the attackers. Some unexploded bombs were diffused soon after, which if had gone off amongst the worshipers would have increased the casualties even further. IMC-USA extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and appreciates the prompt commitment to conduct a thorough investigation and announcements of relief to victims. The deployment of Rapid Action Force is a welcome measure to secure the law and order. However, the death of several innocent citizens due to the indiscriminate police firing must be investigated independently.
Rasheed Ahmed, President of IMC-USA echoed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s appeal for peace and urged all communities to not let this gruesome attack be exploited by divisive groups. “We implore the government to take all necessary steps to prevent this incident from spiraling into communal unrest in the state and beyond. It should also order a CBI inquiry into this blasts and bring the perpetrators to book and punish them to the maximum extent of the law”, he said. “In view of the local connection to Nanded and the Malegaon bomb blasts we should reserve the initial judgments about the source of these murderous acts” cautioned Rasheed Ahmed. He added “A transparent and swift investigation to find the terrorists behind these gruesome crimes by the Andhra Pradesh government will go a long way to build the confidence of law abiding people and set a example for other states where similar cases goes unresolved”.
CONTACT:
Syed Ali Rahman
phone: 1-800-839-7270
email: info@imc-usa.org
