Don't target madrasas as shelters for terrorists in NE

New Delhi, Aug 8 (UNI) Former Parliamentarian and diplomat Syed Shahabuddin today took strong exception to the Army 'targeting' the mosques and madrasas in North-East in the garb of providing training and shelter to terrorists and said no Muslim institution should be vilified without due evidence.

In his letter addressed to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Mr Shahabuddin said that Lt Gen B S Jaiswal, posted in Assam had made statements of political nature. If evidence was available against any organisation or persons responsible for such madrasas or managers and Imams of such masjids should be prosecuted under the law of the land and no Muslim would object.

He also said that major terrorist organisations in North East like ULFA and those of Nagas, Manipuris and Bodo groups had nothing to do with Muslims.

He sought Dr Singh to advice Defence and Home Ministers and National Security Advisor to caution the Armed forces and the police that they should be discreet in their public comments against any particular community, he said.

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