By IRNA,
New Delhi : Strongly condemning the barbaric and heinous acts of planned murder and destruction carried out by terrorists in India’s business capital, Mumbai last week, a renowned Shia religious leader Monday said: “Continuous and widespread terrorist attacks showed weakness in intelligence systems and security.”
In an exclusive interview with IRNA, Maulana Syed Kalbe Jawwad, Friday Prayer leader of Historic Asafi Masjid at Lucknow, accused the intelligence agencies and asked the government to immediately take effective steps to revamp and strengthen the intelligence and security set up.
Saluting the National Security Guard (NSG) commandos who lost their lives in pitched battles against the terrorists, Shia leader said that our special forces performed with remarkable bravery and professionalism in their battle with the terrorists, but the attacks should and could have been thwarted by better intelligence, he said.
He suggested that the anti-terrorist forces of the country to be further strengthened and streamlined.
“Officers and security men who made the ultimate sacrifice by laying down their lives, the entire nation owes a debt of gratitude to these men that we can never repay,” he added.
Terming the Mumbai terror attacks as “national tragedy”, Jawwad asked with all political parties to rise above narrow political considerations and stand united and work together in the interest of the country and eliminate this menace.
Adding that this is the time for all sections of the people to rise above any sectarian interests and ensure that the unity and integrity of the country is safeguarded.
Terrorism can be fought only if we are united, he added.
Firmly disassociating Islam from terrorism, Jawwad asked the world to stop viewing terrorists through the prism of religion. He said that crimes of such barbarity must make people realize that the moment has arrived for the people to develop a unified commitment towards peace and harmony and combat extremism and terrorism in all its shades and colours.
Expressing sincerest condolences with all the people who fell victim to this savage crime, Jawwad said that the lessons from this grim incident has to be drawn correctly and promptly.
Referring to India’s contention that “some elements” in Pakistan are responsible for the Mumbai terror attacks, Jawwad said there should be “no politics” on the issue.
Matter should be taken up to United Nations Security Council, if the links proved through investigations. UN Security Council is duty-bound to take measures to curb such territorial activities.
Turning on to US-Iraq security pact, Shia religious scholar said:
“The agreement would extend the US military presence in Iraq.
Describing the pact as a catastrophic (move) aimed at blocking all popular opposition to the US military presence in Iraq, Jawwad demands for an immediate pullout of American troops.