The Editor

The Times of India,

7,B.S.Z. Marg,

New Delhi.

 

 

Sir,

            This is to express my outrage over the accusations directed at Saudi Arabia contained in the reports, ‘Terror trail: Charities come under scanner’ and ‘Wahabism is the common link’ (T.O.I., March 11, 2006). The attempt by your reporter to link my country with the recent blasts in Varanasi by repeating unfounded and unsubstantiated allegations is both shocking and disgusting.

 

            While strongly condemning the terrorist act perpetrated in Varanasi which resulted in the loss of innocent lives and injury to many other victims, I would like to reiterate that Saudi Arabia or Saudi charities do not fund any terrorist or otherwise group in India or elsewhere. Any assistance for charitable purposes is routed through the concerned government.

 

            The inaccuracy of the contents of above report can be judged from the fact that it claims that Ahle Hadis in India received funds from the ‘Ahle Hadis Salahfi Wahabism, based in Saudi Arabia’, while there is no trust or organisation with this name in Saudi Arabia.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It seems that your reporter and his sources are not happy with the recent surge in Indo-Saudi relations and hence this attempt to harm the growing friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

 

            Hoping that this rejoinder will find due space in your esteemed newspaper.

 

            Regards,

 

                                                                                   

 

 

                                                                              Yours sincerely,

                                               

                                                                        Saleh Mohd. Al Ghamdi

                                                                                    Ambassador

 

 

 

 (The rejoinder was published in the T.O.I. on 20/3/06)