Prominent Muslim leaders and citizens in Bangalore reacted strongly to a “verdict before trial” with regard to the alleged link of Bangalore brothers Kafeel Ahmed and Sabeel Ahmed in the foiled UK terror attack.
Backlash
While voicing strong opposition to terror in the name of religion, they also maintained that the “unprecedented” media coverage could also lead to a backlash against the Muslim community.
“The incident, and what has followed, have affected the psyche of every Muslim. Islam doesn’t advocate terrorism in any form and we have condemned the act too, but some caution should be exercised before passing verdicts, even before the final report is out. Media is virtually running a trial on its own,” Mirza Mohd Mehdi, president, Indian Union Muslim League, Karnataka told Deccan Herald.
They also pointed out that even the British media was not giving the attack the importance that it has assumed in India.
They also contended that while a foiled terror attack in UK was hogging headlines in India, investigation into major attacks that led to casualties back home — including the Mumbai train blasts — remained inconclusive.