THE FATWA demand against the terrorists behind terror strike in Varanasi on March 7 gained momentum on Sunday with some Muslim religious heads and a lyricist of repute Javed Akhtar supporting the demand, saying the fatwa should be announced against perpetrators of the terror acts.
Responding to some Muslims’ demand who sat on a dharna on the city’s busy Lahurabir crossing, demanding fatwa against the terrorists behind the serial blasts, Syed Shah Fazal-a-Rehman, Imaam of Teele Wali mosque in Lucknow said,” The Quran is clear on such issues. It is against violence and does not permit such heinous acts”. He added, “I support the demand for fatwa against those behind the terror acts and even support execution of the perpetrators of the blasts in full public view”.“I have urged the Chief Minister of UP to step up investigation and get the attackers identified and ensure they are executed on the road in full public view”, Rehman added.
“The bombers are neither Hindus nor Muslims—they are ‘Shaitan’—infidels”, Rehman, who visited the blast site at Sankat Mochan temple told reporters on Sunday.
Stating that those responsible for the terror acts were jealous of India’s economic progress, noted lyricist Javed Akhar, who too visited the blast site at Sankat Mochan temple, supported the demand for fatwa against the perperators of the terrorist acts. However, he was quick to add that fatwa should be announced even against those who announced fatwas.
{{/usCountry}}Stating that those responsible for the terror acts were jealous of India’s economic progress, noted lyricist Javed Akhar, who too visited the blast site at Sankat Mochan temple, supported the demand for fatwa against the perperators of the terrorist acts. However, he was quick to add that fatwa should be announced even against those who announced fatwas.
{{/usCountry}}Lashing out at terrorists for resorting to heinous crimes, Akhtar put it in a famous couplet: ‘Jo Mujh Ko Zinda Jala Raha Hai Woh Bekhabar Hai Ki Dheere Dheere Meri Zanjeer Pighal Rahi Hai— Kabbhi To Insaan Zindagi Ki Karega Izzat, Yeh Ummeed Aaj Bhi Mere Dil Me Pal Rahi Hai’.
Talking to reporters at the temple premises, Mufti Banaras Maulana Abdul Batin Nomani said that holy Quran was very clear on fatwa against those who perperated acts of terror. “ If the people give the demand in writing, certainly fatwa will be announced against the ultras”, he told reporters.
Javed Akhtar, along with Swami Agnivesh and controversial human rights activist Teesta Setalvad, also carried out a peace march in the town.