‘Why not call LTTE Hindu terrorists?’

WASHINGTON: Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf says he is against use of the term Islamist terrorists or “Islamo-fascists” as such labelling can then be used for other terrorist outfits as well, like the Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka who are Hindus. “Does one call terrorists in Sri Lanka Hindu terrorists? Why is Pakistan’s bomb called an Islamist bomb? Why is India’s bomb not called a Hindu bomb and that of Israel as a Jewish bomb?” Musharraf asked.

“Pakistani people are certainly for fighting terrorism, but they somehow are not happy with relations with the United States,” he said in an interview with Fox TV on Monday night after the release of his book in New York.

He said he would advise President Bush to refrain from using such terms. Musharraf said the US president was a friend of his and “I am sure he understands the sensibilities.” He also joined issue with George W Bush over the use of the term “Islamo-fascists” for terrorists.

“It weakens all moderates including me,” said Musharraf, as Muslims feel alienated. “We should never use Islam with terrorism. Let’s not attach religion to it,” he suggested.