'We will stop harassment of Muslims in terror probe'

New Delhi, Aug 21: Describing attempts at association of Islam with terrorism as a ''ghatia saazish''(mean conspiracy), Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today promised firm action against all those who were harassing innocent Muslims in the name of investigation into terrorist activities.

''Terrorism has no religion...I understand you plight and sensitivities as about 15 years ago, all Sikhs were also put under suspicion in similar circumstances,'' the Prime Minister told a conference of Muslim Ulema(scholars) on 'Terrorism: Causes and Remedies' which concluded here this evening.

Any action against terrorism should be based on facts, and not on rumours. If any innocent is harassed, it is against the Constitution, he added.

Mr Singh said he would soon call a meeting of all Chief Minister to discuss the problem of harassment of innocent Muslims by state agencies investigating cases of terror activities.

Responding to the observations of Ulema, Dr Singh said it was true that very often, these agencies turned the probe into terror cases against Muslims indiscriminately.

''I will speak to the Chief Ministers, and the Centre will act to see that the injustice is stopped,'' the Prime Minister said.

His response came when Maulana Athar of Mumbai and other ulemas sought his special attention to the cases of harassment of Mumbai Muslims after the recent serial blasts.

The Maulana wanted to know why the Mumbai administration suspected only Muslims, and not any other forces who might get political benefit out of the blasts or some international agnecies who wanted to disturb the peace of the country.

The Prime Minister asked the Ulema to provide a guidance to Mulsim youth, so that they are not misled by those with vested interest.

''You should guide their thinking and give a new direction to them so that they could contribute to the progress of the country,'' he said.

UNI

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