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)