British High Commissioner calls for joint effort to combat terrorism

Patna, Aug 23 (UNI) Bitish High Commissioner to India Michael Arthur today called for joint efforts to fight the menace of terrorism.

Mr Authur told newspersons here that terrorism has become a global phenomenon and should be addressed more strategically.

H said terrorism should not be linked with religion in the era of multiculrural society. '' We should not link terrorism with Islam as no religion allows violence. It is not good to link the problem with Islam just because some groups are associated with it,'' he said.

Mr Arthur said Pakistan was also facing the same problem of terrorism and is trying to fight it. We are working with Pakistan to fight against the menace, he said, adding the tirade would continue till every terrorist was caught.

''In a multicultural society, of which India is the best example, it is difficult to link terrorism with religion and with 60 different languages spoken in Britain, the nation too belongs to the multicultural society.

Earlier, while inaugurating the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) limiteds branch in Patna, Mr Arthur said banking also had big challenges in a multicultural society as they have to deal with the people more carefully. He expressed the hope that banking sector would boost the financial structure of Bihar.

Addressing the gathering, country head of HSBC Naina Lal Kidwai said besides financial activities, the bank would concentrate on building relationship to serve the community.

UNI RS SP AK PC2321