Ahmedabad blasts: Bajrang Dal prays for victims

Agra/New Delhi/Manali, Jul 31: Bajrang Dal activists performed a fire ritual here to pray for the victims of the Ahmedabad and Bangalore serial blasts.

In New Delhi, activists of the Rashtrawadi Shiv Sena also protested against the terror attacks taking place in the country. They raised slogans against the Central Government for its failure to counter terrorism and burnt an effigy that symbolised terrorism. "Terrorists are targeting the innocent people of our country. It is the failure of the Central Government as it is not able to contain them," said Jai Bhagwan Goel, an activist. It is a common belief that these activities are carried out by militants in the garb of jihad (Holy War), which they justify in accordance to their holy book Quran.

See in pics: Ahmedabad, Bangalore blasts

The general perception of linking militancy with Islam has many Islamic scholars up in arms who beg to differ and put the blame on some Muslim organizations that have resorted to such crimes in the name of religion.

"All these so called jihads (Holy Warriors) are not jihad (Holy War). Because we know no state is involved in these jihad activities. Some Muslim organizations are involved. So, it is not jihad and Islam. This kind of activism was invented by Muslims. So blame goes to Muslims not Islam," said Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, an Islamic scholar.

Meanwhile, police have taken measures to tighten security in the tourist spot of Manali. Security has been beefed along the Manali-Leh Highway. The army is out checking all vehicles to prevent any untoward incident.

The City police is also conducting regular security checks keeping in view the large number of tourists visiting the area.

"We are conducting regular checks at all hours during the day," said Pritam Patiyal, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Manali.

ANI