Washington, DC (6 September 2014): A group of Indian American Muslim organizations and leaders responded with disdain to a news report that Al-Qaeda wishes to include India in its terror activities.

Indian American Muslim organizations and their leaders unanimously condemned even the remotest possibility of Al-Qaeda potentially engaging in indiscriminate violence against innocent citizens in India.

This unwanted attention from Al-Qaeda should be repelled in the most unequivocal terms. India's Muslims are confident that despite their many challenges, including those of security,  Al-Qaeda has no place in India.

The group of organizations also expressed concern that this threat could be used by radical, extremist organizations aligned with the Sangh Parivar to further stereotype and victimize Indian Muslims, who are already reeling under the effect of their incendiary politics. The organizations expressed their resolve to defend India's secular fabric and its longstanding tradition of pluralism from all threats, internal or external.

NRI Muslim groups called upon the government and civil society to further safeguard the country from extremism, through inclusive development and by upholding the principle of equality before the law for all citizens, irrespective of caste or creed.

Signatories:

1. Association of Indian Muslims (AIM)
2. Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC)
3. Indian Minorities Advocacy Network (ImanNet)
4. Indian Muslim Educational Foundation of North America (IMEFNA)
5. Indian Muslim Relief & Charities (IMRC)
6. Muslim Youth Awareness Alliance (MYAA)
7. Supporters of Human Rights in India (SHRI)

Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC). Address: 6321 W Dempster St. Suite 295, Morton Grove, IL 60053, USA Phone: 1-800-839-7270 email: info@iamc.com