ISNA CONDEMNS MUMBAI TERRORIST BOMBINGS

Muslim Group Calls Terrorist Attacks in India 'Brazen' and 'Vicious'

(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 100 people have been killed and hostage situations emerged at several major Mumbai landmarks. The terrorists targeted the famous Oberoi and Taj Mahal hotels; two of Mumbai's best-known five-star hotels, as well as cafes and train stations.  Additionally the headquarters of Chabad Lubavitch, a local Jewish center, were attacked.

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.

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