Madikeri: Muslim leaders and presidents of the eight masjids in Virajpet taluk of Kodagu, has condemned reports appearing in a section of the press here that sympathisers and supporters of terrorists were present in Kodagu, Virajpet town in particular.

Speaking to presspersons here on Saturday, Majid Khan, one of the leaders, said reports quoting police Intelligence sources had stated that supporters of fundamentalists were present in Kodagu and one particular religious place was being used for "nefarious" activities. This was far from truth. It was an attempt to mislead people and create mistrust among different communities in Kodagu, he remarked.

Iqbal Hasan, former president of the Kodagu Zilla Panchayat, said Islam never preached violence or hatred, but only love, peace and co-existence. Those who were behind creating the confusion should be brought to book. Muslims in the district would not allow terrorist activities to develop nor allow entry to extremists, he said. If any suspicious activities were noticed, they would alert the police.

Mr. Hasan said this point was discussed with the Virajpet Deputy Superintendent of Police, who had denied Intelligence reports linking local Muslims to terrorist activities.

Muslim community would decry efforts being made by unknown hands to create trouble in Kodagu and disturb peace. No one should attempt to communalise the issue, he appealed to the people.

Moinuddin, another leader, said there was no truth in the report which stated that six local Muslim leaders had held a secret meeting with regard to proposals made by some terrorists. They had requested the police to investigate the matter thoroughly and clear confusion in the minds of people of other communities. People should not look at Muslims with suspicion owing to the false report, Mr. Moinuddin said.

Mr. Fayaz Ahmad said the news was very disturbing. It was aimed at creating unrest among people in the district. Terrorism, creating fear, killing humans and suppression of human rights, were against Islam, Mr. Ahmad said.

The presidents of various masjids, Nazeer, Shabbir, Samad and Ismail were present.

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