Imams' Organisation condemns beheading of Pak Sikhs

Condemning the beheading of two Sikhs in Pakistan's tribal belt, an umbrella body of Indian Imams today asked the Taliban "not to distort the image of Muslims in the name of Allah".

"We strongly condemn the beheading of the two kidnapped Sikhs in Pakistan. It's very brutal and against Quran," said Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, president, All India Organisation of Imams of Mosques, which claims to represent half a million Imams of India.

Two Sikhs who were kidnapped for ransom were beheaded by the Pakistani Taliban in the country's restive tribal belt.

The body of Jaspal Singh was found in the Khyber tribal region, located a short distance from the provincial capital of Peshawar, while the body of Mahal Singh was found in the Aurakzai Agency.

"On behalf of Indian Muslims, I pray for the well-being of the kin of those who died in the most cruel act, which is against the teachings of Islam. Beheading is the biggest sin in Quran," said Ilyasi. The Imams' body asked the Taliban "not to distort the image of Muslims in the name of Allah".

"We have also told all the Imams of the country to hold a special prayer session on coming Friday in every mosque to offer condolences. This act by Taliban will also be condemned by all," Ilyasi added.