Clerics announce holy war

Clerics announce holy war

TANGERANG (JP): At least 100 prominent Moslem figures from the
Tangerang regency branch of Islamic group Nahdlatul Ulama (NU)
have pledged to mount a holy war against any parties trying to
break up the country's Moslem society.

In a gathering at the Al Ittihad mosque here on Tuesday, all
the clerics said they would risk their lives in the name of the
Almighty God (Jihad Fisabilillah) to fight against those who
attempted to besmirch Islam.

The gathering cited the killing spree in Banyuwangi, East Java
as the current attempt to break up Moslem unity.

The killing of Nahdliyins, NU members who were allegedly black
magic practitioners, had surpassed what could be considered
healthy, they said.

Without attempting to degrade the Armed Forces' (ABRI) role in
defending the country's stability, the local NU leaders -- along
with its security personnel from its Banser youth wing, Pagar
Nusa self-defense group and the Al-Hikmah School -- vowed to
protect all local Moslem clerics and teachers of the Koran from
any threats spread by irresponsible groups.

Also attending the gathering were Tangerang regent Agus
Djunara, Tangerang Police chief Lt. Col. Pudji Hartanto Iskandar
and Tangerang Military Commander Lt. Col. Maris Wiryadi.

The three asked the public to take part in securing the area
by reporting any suspicious persons or terrors immediately to the
security authorities. They warned the leaders not to beat up
anyone they suspected. (41)