Tripura Muslims condemn Dhaka cafe attack, pray for world peace on Eid-ul-Fitr

Muslims in the Indian state of Tripura have condemned the recent terrorist attack on a Dhaka cafe that left 22 people dead.

They expressed shock and revulsion at the incident in Bangladesh at an Eid congregation at the Gedu Mia Mosque in state capital Agartala on Thursday.
 
They condemned the terrorist attack on Holey Artisan Bakery and O' Kitchen in Dhaka’s Gulshan-2 on the night of Jul 1, saying Islam, which teaches universal brotherhood, had no room for terror.
 
Syed Sajjad Ali, a participant in the Eid prayer said, “We celebrate Eid with other communities cutting across creed, culture, and language and have a very harmonious environment in Tripura.
 
“We the Muslims condemn the horrific incident of bloodshed in the Dhaka restaurant. Islam means peace and we standby peace and we always profess peace as prescribed in the Koran."
 
Besides local residents, Muslims from outside the state living in Tripura because of jobs and education were also in the congregation.
 
Amir Khan, an inhabitant of the Indian state of Gujarat, said, “I am from Gujarat’s Ahmedabad, and I am in Tripura for the first time. But I enjoyed celebrating Eid here far from home. I liked the very peaceful atmosphere.”
 
The prayers started around 9am which Imam Maulana Abdul Rehaman holding a special prayer for global peace.
 
Eid prayers were held in 20 mosques in and around Agartala, and in 350 spots in the state of Tripura.
 
He said: “To maintain peace of this nation, Muslims and non-Muslims should live united. If outsiders attack our cities, Muslim, Christians, and all should stand against them.”
 
“I pray that on this happy occasion of Eid, every house is filled with happiness. I also condemn those who want to spread the message of hatred in the name of religion, be it Bangladesh, India or any other place.
 
“We pray that the Almighty bring them to the right path. I appeal to all peace-loving citizens that we stand under the umbrella of various religions like one family and against those who want to disturb our peace.”
 
He said Islam taught love and brotherhood but the acts of a very microscopic section of Muslims indulging in terrorism were tarnishing Islam’s image.
 
The festival symbolizes feasts and festivities and Muslims in Agartala poured out in large numbers to pray for peace and prosperity of their people and the nation.
 
Abdul Rahim, a participant in the Eid prayer, said: “Hindus and Muslims together take part in the Eid celebration here.”
 
The devotees embraced each other after the prayer, exchanging Eid greetings.
 
Dressed in new clothes, many were out with their families, especially children, visiting places of interest.
 
On the occasion, Indian border guards exchanged sweets and greetings with their Bangladesh counterparts.