National U.S. Muslim Organizations Condemn Terrorist Attacks in India

KAC calls Mumbai Terrorist Attacks Reprehensible Crimes Against Humanity

Washington, D.C. November 27, 2008. The Kashmiri American Council (KAC) expressed its utter disgust at the terrorist attacks perpetrated in Mumbai, India. Condemning the bestiality in the strongest terms, the KAC pledged to contribute, in whatever form possible, to the rehabilitation effort of the affected families. Dismayed at the photos displaying the carnage, fleeing victims and burning buildings, Executive Director of KAC, Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, prayed that the authorities would pursue all reasonable efforts to investigate, apprehend, and punish those who are guilty of committing these reprehensible crimes against humanity.

The KAC Board, in an extraordinary meeting, pledged to oppose those who would resort to violence in order to pursue whatever ends they claimed. Reports indicating that terrorists specifically targeted Western tourists further aggravate enlightened sensibilities. Targeted victimization of innocents has no justification and encourages retribution from any and all quarters. To that end, the KAC hopes that all India’s citizenry allows for a cooling period and hopes that communal harmony prevails during this troubling time in India’s history.

Islamic Society of North America condemns Mumbai Terrorist Bombings

(Washington D.C., 11/26/08) The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) strongly condemns the tragic multi-pronged terrorist attack which recently took place in Mumbai, India. At several high-profile locations within Mumbai, according to international news reports, over 85 people have been killed and hostage situations have emerged at several major Mumbai landmarks. In addition to cafes and train stations, the terrorists also targeted the famous Oberoi and Taj Mahal hotels; two of Mumbai’s best-known five-star hotels.

In a statement today, ISNA said: “As the largest Islamic organization in North America, we at ISNA condemn, in the strongest terms possible, the brazen and vicious terrorist attacks which recently took place in Mumbai, India. India is the largest democracy in the world, where over a billion people of all religions, castes and ethnic backgrounds have co-existed for centuries. There is no doubt that there are serious and legitimate grievances among the Indian population over discrimination, social and economic marginalization and outstanding political conflicts. However these conflicts can and must be resolved within the political framework of Indian democracy, and never with violence. There is no justification for terrorism.

We send our sincere prayers and heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the victims of these attacks. We hope that the perpetrators of these heinous crimes will be brought to justice in the immediate future.”

CONTACT: Mohamed Elsanousi, ISNA Communications Director, 202-544-6767 or Email: melsanousi@isna.net

Islamic Circle of North American Condemns Mumbai Attacks

ICNA Condemns Mumbai Attacks
New York, Nov 27, 2008

Islamic Circle of North America, a grass root American Muslim organization today strongly condemned the Mumbai attacks and mourns the loss of innocent life.

In a statement, president of ICNA Dr. Khurshid Khan said:

“We strongly condemn these attacks and demand the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. As Muslims, we denounce such senseless carnage against innocent civilians, wherever it may occur. This goes against the fundamental spirit of Islam, which promotes a culture of life and peace, not bloodshed and violence. Any examples of such extremist ideology, wherever that ideology may be, need to be refuted and rejected.”

Our thoughts and prayers go to the families of innocent victims of these heinous attacks. We stand with the people of India in this time of tragedy. We hope at this crucial moment the government of India will hold firm to the principles of justice.

Press Contact: Naeem Beig
Secretary General
Islamic Circle of North America
Office: (718) 658-1199

CAIR Condemns Mumbai Attacks

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 11/27/08) – A prominent national Islamic civil rights and advocacy group today condemned attacks on a number of sites in the Indian financial capital of Mumbai that left at least 100 people dead and many more injured.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) also called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages taken during the attacks. Witnesses say the attackers sought out American and British citizens.

SEE: Dozens Die in Mumbai Attacks (Washington Post)

In a statement, CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad said:

“We condemn these cowardly attacks and demand that all hostages taken by the attackers be released immediately and unconditionally. We offer sincere condolences to the loved ones of those killed or injured in these senseless and inexcusable acts of violence against innocent civilians. American Muslims stand with our fellow citizens of all faiths in repudiating acts of terror wherever they take place and whomever they target.”

SEE: CAIR’s Anti-Terrorism Campaigns

The Washington-based group also asked the Indian government to protect all its citizens from the type of retaliatory attacks that have taken place following similar incidents in the recent past.