Press Trust of India (PTI)
June 1, 2008

NEW DELHI --  Political and religious leaders from various countries
including Sri Lanka and Pakistan today strongly condemned terrorism
in all its manifestations and demanded "unbiased initiative" to
contain it while denouncing sinister campaigns to malign any
particular community.

At a conference on "Anti Terrorism", also attended by the Dalai Lama
and a galaxy of leaders from India and abroad, the leaders called
upon governments to generate awareness about the problem cutting
across all sections to overcome the "greatest threat" to humanity.

"It is vital to consistently, unequivocally and strongly condemn
terrorism in all forms and manifestations, committed by whomever and
for whatever purposes. We condemn all forms of terrorism," President
of Jama Masjid United Forum Syed Yahya Bukhari said addressing the gathering.

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama said India's "religious
tolerance" can be a "role model" for the rest of the world.

"Major religions of the world like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and
Sikhism originated in India and it provided shelter to followers of
religions like Zoroastrianism. These can be a model for the rest of
the world," he said.

Union Science Minister Kapil Sibal said terrorism should not be used
as a political weapon. "Making it an electoral issue will encourage
terrorists," he said.

Comparing terrorism with HIV, Sibal said, "The disease knows no
boundary. We need global cooperation and understanding to check it.
The nations indulging in arms supply and financing terrorists for
narrow political gains must stop such activities."