Shahi Imam Bukhari addresses people on terrorism
29 Aug 2008, 2030 Hrs

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New Delhi, August 29 (ANI): The Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid, Ahmed Bukhari, addressed a mass rally in New Delhi today, after offering prayers on the issue of terrorism.

Briefing the people about the ongoing terrorist attacks he accused the Government and intelligence agencies of being biased in their investigations and alleged that Muslims were being arrested without any proof.

Referring to the apex court's judgement on the issue of Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) he demanded for setting up of a judicial commission comprising of retired Hindu and Muslim judges to ascertain whether people arrested are actually involved.

"Our point is that if judicial commission is made then retired Hindu and Muslim judges should be there. If the commission decides that they are culprit and they have proof of it then we will accept it. Then they (police and investigating team) can file a case in the court. But, because we have lost faith on government and its intelligence agencies so we are not ready to accept it. We are not in favour of SIMI but surely we favour those innocents who are being arrested in the name of SIMI," said Imam Bukhari.

The investigating agencies have alleged that the some of the activists of SIMI are involved in the recent attacks that rocked several places in western India.

Police has blamed SIMI for almost every major bomb attack in India including explosions on local trains in Mumbai two years ago that killed 187 people.

Sensing its links with the terrorists, the Government had banned SIMI in 2001.

The ban on SIMI continues with the Supreme Court in early August staying a special tribunal order lifting restrictions on its activities after the government warned of 'serious consequences' if the outfit was allowed to operate. (ANI)