Media Statement
To Destroy Buddha Statues is to Trample on an Islamic Principle
Aliran joins the chorus of concerned individuals and groups in Malaysia in calling upon the Taliban regime to immediately halt its callous destruction of Buddha statues in Afghanistan.
It is indeed ironic that in its zeal to be "more Islamic" the Taliban administration has actually trampled upon an important Islamic principle: tolerance and respect for other people's beliefs. To single-mindedly pursue this course of destruction is to tarnish the image of Islam.
The Taliban regime must surely be aware how sacred and sancrosanct these sites and statues are to followers of the Buddhist faith. It must also be aware of their immense historical significance and importance to the world at large. By ignoring the reality and through its barbaric conduct, the regime has incurred the wrath of the civilised world.
We call upon the Organisation of Islamic Countries to condemn the Taliban regime for its un-Islamic behaviour and to use its influence to stop the Taliban's destruction of these historical and religious sites.
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