Deoband (Uttar Pradesh), Feb 25 : A senior functionary of the Jamait-Ulema-I-Hind (JUH) today said that while terrorism should be condemned in all its forms, unwarranted accusations against the Muslim community should also be avoided at all costs.

"On the one hand terrorism should be condemned and on the other hand those who make accusations (against the whole community) should be countered because if the actual accused is not caught, then some innocent would get hanged. This will be our loss. All of us belonging to the same community should come together to fight against terrorism and militancy," said Mualana Mahmood Madni, General Secretary, Jamiat Ulmea-i-Hind.

Madni was participating in a debate on terrorism and other Islam-centric issues organised by the Darul-Uloom in Deoband, Uttar Pradesh.

Ulema (Muslim scholors) from 6000 madrasas (religious schools) are participating in the debate called by the legendary school of Islamic learning in Asia.

Organisers said they wanted that the Darul Uloom to take the initiative in starting that Islam does not sanction terrorism and that Deobandis do not believe in it either.

"We want to spread the message to entire world that Muslims and Islam have no links with terrorism. And we want to give this message to the Centre that if any Muslim is arrested in any terror activity then he should be treated just as a criminal and should not be linked with Islam to defame Muslims," said Maulana Aadil Siddiqui, Spokesperson, Darul Uloom, Deoband.

The conference by the Darul Uloom is expected to reiterate its determination to promote peace, national solidarity and brotherhood in the country.

The conference is also likely to advise Muslims to be careful and cautious about conspiracies and the meeting is also expected to demand from the government security for all citizens and non-harassment of the Muslim community.

Apart from representatives of madarasas, the other participants are Ahl-e-Hadith, Jama'at-e-Islami and Shi'ah schools of thought and the heads, delegates of their madrasas and the rectors (Sajjada Nashins) of the Dargahs of Ajmer Sharif and Kichhauchha Sharif.

The heads and representatives of All India Muslim Personal Law Board, Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat, Milli Council and the Darul Uloom Deoband's Old Boys Association are also participating in the conference. Darul-Uloom, Deoband eastablished in late 19th century, is a renowned religious and academic Center of Islamic thought and practice.

In the sub-continent, it is the largest institution for the dissemination and propagation of Islamic teachings and the biggest headspring of education for Islamic sciences.

Followers of Deoband School practice orthodox Sunni Islam.

Deoband produced some renowned Muslim scholars who resisted British rule in India, which ended with independence and the partition of the subcontinent in 1947. (ANI)