Muslim women demand 'fatwa' against terrorists

Varanasi, Mar 11: Staging a 'dharna' to protest the March 7 serial bomb blasts in the temple town here, Muslim women in Varanasi today (Mar 11, 2006) demanded issuance of 'fatwa' (edict) seeking death for terrorists.

The demonstration started around 1100 hrs at the Lahurabeer area with a large number of 'burqa'-clad women, both young and old, participating. Some Muslim men also joined the 'dharna'.

The demonstrators said while the terrorists had now descended from ''Kashmir to Kashi,'' they were yet to react to the situation.

They demanded the Muslim regligious leaders to issue an edict against the perpetrators of terrorism in the country, and seek death penalty for them.

One participant, Haseena Begum told sources that the 'fatwa' would foster communal harmony among the Hindus and Muslims. ''It will also de-motivate the militants.'' However, she lamented that fingers were being pointed towards Muslims ever since terrorists had started targetting Hindu temples.

''The responsibility of Muslim luminaries and religious leaders have become more pronounced in its wake,'' she observed.

Mohd Javed underlined the need for the whole community to forge a united front against terrorism, to foil the ultras' nefarious designs.

The twin blasts at Sankatmochan temple and Cantonment Railway Station on Tuesday evening had claimed at least 17 lives and wounded scores of others at both the places.

UNI