Hindu Forum calls for study into terrorism links to charities (From Asian Image)

Hindu Forum calls for study into terrorism links to charities

10:14pm Tuesday 29th July 2008 in News

The Hindu Forum of Britain has asked the Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith, to escalate investigations into reports about British charities suspected of sending funds to terrorist groups in Pakistan.

The appeal followed a serial bomb blast on Saturday in the Indian city of Ahmedabad, in which 45 people were killed.

A group calling itself Indian Mujahideen claimed responsibility for the blasts and Indian authorities have said the group seems to be a front for terrorist organisations operating out of Pakistan.

Ramesh Kallidai, secretary general of the Hindu Forum of Britain said: "India has been suffering from terror attacks by Islamic militants for many years.

"The Ahmedabad blasts that killed 45 people are not isolated. There have been several other blasts that have taken place recently in Jaipur, Bangalore and other places."

"But what is of great concern to British Indians is that there have been several reports of British charities sending money to Pakistan that are being diverted to terrorism against India."

The Charity Commission is responsible for regulating charitable organisations in the UK. Chris Kiggell, a spokesman for the organisation said: "The Charity Commission will always look into specific allegations against individual charities.

He said there had been cases of funds from British charities being used to fund terrorist activities but added: "It is incredibly rare but when it does happen it needs to be taken very seriously."

Mr Kallidai said: "We recognise the good work being done by faith-based charities from all the major world religions, and any enquiry should not affect such good works.

"Our only concern is with the small minority that may - knowingly or unknowingly - be directing funds towards terrorist activities."

He added: "Our community needs to be reassured that enough is being done enough is being done to prevent siphoning of charity funds to terrorist causes.

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In light of the continuing loss of human life in India by Islamic militants, the British Government has a moral obligation to increase its efforts in tracking such charities. We hope the Home Secretary and intelligence agencies in Britain will take note and do something about it.

"This is particularly important because we do not wish to have the sub-continental issues spilling over into Britain and affecting community cohesion and good relations here in our country."