Daily Times

Sir: Yesterday’s well planned terrorist attack on Charlie Hebdo, a controversial newspaper in Paris is sad, shocking and regrettable. People from all religious denominations across the globe strongly condemn it, sharing the grief and sorrow of the French nation. Presently, it is premature to say who is behind the attack but based on the past history of Charlie Hebdo, some Islamic extremist group is speculated to be behind this unprecedented barbaric attack as those killed in the attack include the Editor-in-Chief and three cartoonists, presumably responsible for publishing objectionable material in the past under the rubric of freedom of speech. How France and the world would react to this tragedy is open to question, but the real victim of this attack would be French Muslims and Muslims around the world who are law-abiding and peaceful people, trying to live in peace and harmony with other faith groups. Islam has nothing to do with this kind of heinous crime that defame them and their faith. Islam is a religion and not a doctrine of extremist ideology as generally being perceived. The current Islamophobia emerging in some parts of Europe and the influx of Muslim migrants is of concern to many. I hope this won’t create a backlash of religious orientation. We all can contribute effectively in avoiding extremism if we do not exceed the boundaries of freedom of speech, fulfil our responsibilities and respect each other. I condemn the attack hoping to learn from this 9/11 of France.

MOHAMMAD ASHRAF

Winnipeg,

Canada