The Hindu

MANGALORE, Jan 6: Muslim organisations have expressed shock and dismay over accusations that madrasas were training grounds for anti-national elements. The Jamat-e-Islami Hind, Dakshina Kannada district unit,in a press statement, condemned the alleged campaign in a section of the media depicting madrasas as centres of terrorist training. Jamat convener Abdus Salam stated that despite the police denying that there were any arrests in Mangalore madrasas in the case connected to the attack on IISc. in Bangalore, the media was carrying reports that hurt the sentiments of Muslims.

It was turning out to be a dangerous exercise, as it would depict the Muslim community in a bad light, affecting the harmony between Muslims and other communities, he said.

Mr. Abdus Salam stated that the madrasas had not indulged in any anti social or anti-national activities.

The madrasas were imparting socially relevant religious education to the Muslim youth, and some of the finest scholars of Islam had come from madrasas and they had scaled great heights.

He appealed to the general public not to be misled by media reports. Students, teachers and managements of madrasas have also been told not to get disturbed.

In another press release, Vice-President of the Dakshina Kannada unit of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML)Ahmad Jamaal held the district administration of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts responsible for such reports.

He said a false impression was sought to be created through such reports.