KATHMANDU, July 18: Representatives from various Muslim organizations in Kathmandu have expressed their concerns over an editorial published in Republica on Saturday.

Stating that some of the details printed were not accurate, they noted that the editorial hurt the sentiment of Muslim communities. The representatives pointed out that there was no need to link Nepali Muslims with the violent acts taking place in various parts of the world.

"To try to relate Nepali Muslims with any violent activities taking place elsewhere is absolutely unjust for this community because Muslims in Nepal have never resorted to any violent activities let alone raising arms," said Samim Miya Ansari, president of National Muslim Struggle Alliance, during a discussion with a team of journalists at Republica on Sunday. Ansari led a delegation of representatives from various Muslim organizations, who arrived at the head office of Nepal Republic Media at Bagdurbar, Kathmandu.

Lawmaker Mohammad Zakir Hussain of CPN (Maoist Center), Dr Shamim Ahmad, country director of World Assembly of Muslim Youth, Nazrul Hasan Falahi, former president of Islamic Sangh Nepal, and Mohammad Shahid Ali, spokesman of the struggle committee, were among those who expressed their concerns during the discussion.
  Hussain said that the government has remained apathetic toward the requirements of Madrasas despite their repeated attempts to draw the attention of both the government and Parliament toward the situation.

Falahi said that international communities can learn from the exemplary inter-faith harmony in Nepal.