Pakistan-based militant outfitLashkar-e-Toiba has said Islam permits mujahideens (holywarriors) to carry weapons inside mosques during the times ofwar.
"Whatever situation prevails in the valley, mujahideenshave to wear arms all the time. Wearing arms is compulsory forthem in a war-like situation. They cannot move withoutweapons, as they are in constant danger. In war-likesituations, Islam permits to wear weapons in mosques also,"Lashkar chief Hafiz Saeed said in an interview with BBC.
He said the situation in Kashmir is such that theoutfit's members cannot walk without weapons because of thehuge presence of the Indian army.
To a question whether his organisation was prepared towithdraw its cadre in view of the peace moves between Indiaand Pakistan, he said, "when the Indian army is presenteverywhere equipped with arms and oppressing people, how canit be expected of the mujahideens that they will stop theiractivities.
"We have given a very clear policy that the Indian armyshould stop its repressive activities and whenever it ispulled back, mujahideens will stop their activities."
To a question, Saeed said "how can we abandon jehad (holywar) from our side when Indian government is playing doublegame."
He ruled out declaring a ceasefire by his organisationsaying that the question does not arise due to heavy presenceof Indian security forces.
Asked why the Lashkar was being held responsible forsabotaging the peace process, he said, "no, we do not acceptthis blame.
"It is by the grace of Allah that mujahideen ofLashkar-e-Toiba are making fidayeen (suicide) attacks onIndian army. And ndian army is too much disturbed withmujahideen of the Lashkar. We will not shun jehad. It is ourstance that until and unless Indian army leaves Kashmir, wewill not move backward".
