Indian Muslims want 'Ground Zero Mosque' relocated

The Washington-based Association of Indian Muslims of America asked the Cordoba Institute and other promoters of the Islamic Center termed as the 'Ground Zero Mosque' to relocate it in the interest of the larger good of the community.

A statement issued by Kaleem Kawaja, a leader of the association noted that the initiative of a set of New York City Muslims to build the center, a couple of blocks from the site of the Twin Towers has generated a super-heated controversy and much tension in US. In this tense situation a national debate is raging across America. It is very laudable that the New York City government headed by Mayor Mike Bloomberg, the US government headed by President Barrack Obama, and a large segment of US intellectuals and community leaders have defended the religious freedom right of America's Muslims to build their places of worship anywhere in US, it noted.

However, it is time for the American Muslims to take the initiative and make a serious effort to resolve this unseemly controversy and diffuse this very divisive tension. With a view to respect the sentiments of many Americans, New York City Muslims should voluntarily relocate this Islamic Center, to a new location in lower Manhattan that is further away from Ground Zero.

In taking this initiative on their own they will earn much goodwill of the entire American nation, will resolve the current tense relationship between Muslim Americans and other Americans, and will build a very durable bridge of understanding between Muslims and others in America.

On behalf of about two hundred thousand American-Muslims with origin in India, we appeal to relocate it, the statement said.