ASJA wants to prevent terrorist attacks in TT

THE Anjuman Sunnat ul Jamaat Association (ASJA) said it wants to prevent any kind of terrorist attack in TT. To this end it is ready to partner with any group to ensure that thekind of bloodbath which occurred in Sri Lanka and in New Zealand, when worshippers were targeted and killed, does not happen here.

The statement follows Easter Sunday’s suicide bombing attack in Sri Lanka which left at least 359 people dead, among them, 42 foreigners. Approximately 500 more were injured.The co-ordinated terrorist attack targeted three churches and three luxury hotels.

About 70 people, all identified as Muslims, have been held in connection with the attacks to date. In a statement, ASJA’s general secretary Rahimool Hosein expressed condolences and “profound sympathies” to the government and people of Sri Lanka, especially the families of those killed and injured.

“Like the rest of the world, we are in awe and stand side by side in solidarity with the Government of Sri Lanka and those countries whose citizens were killed.”

Hosein said what makes this attack so unbearable “is that it comes on the heels of the recent massacre of Muslims in New Zealand. Nothing and no one, by the stretch of the imagination can justify these brutal attacks on human beings.”

In the New Zealand attacks, Muslims were among 50 people killed at the Al Noor Mosque and Lindwood Islamic Centre on March 15. Another 50 were injured. A white supremacist Australian man has since been arrested and charged with the crime.

“The ASJA condemns this atrocious act perpetrated by misguided individuals and or groups who targeted innocent women, men and children who were engaged in worshiping their creator or who were going about their personal business.”

Hosein said he hopes all those involved in this heinous act will be apprehended and brought to swift justice.