While the civil police has displayed commendable sensitivity and tact in carrying out its duty, the government, sadly has shown ineptitude and an astonishing lack of wisdom in the pursuit of its terror policy.

The progressive evidence of the alleged terrorists activities is a proof that the government policy has been a dismal failure at a terrible cost to the rate payers. Millions of pounds have been wasted on protracted surveillance and court actions, without achieving anything other than community resentment and inter community disharmony.

The same amount of money could have been better spent in fighting drug trade and knife crime.

It is generally acknowledged that prevention is better than treatment and so, in that spirit it is suggested that the best way to prevent terrorism would be to use the goodwill of the Muslim community and understanding of the general public in this matter.

During the process of surveillance there always would be a time when the police would have reasonable evidence that some individuals were pursuing a dangerous line of action and could pose a threat to the society.

That would be the time when a joint meeting of the police and community leaders – civil and religious – would need to be called. A joint action to expose and correct some misguided and confused individuals would be far more effective and least expensive to nip the evil in the bud.

There are no different sides on this issue, we are all on the same side. This purpose can be better achieved with good will and co-operation than the present way which is giving rise to the suspicion that the government is not really interested in preventing terrorism but only in maintaining the perception of a threat of terrorism, in order to take civil liberties away from the British people and establish a rigid state control.

Dr. M. Naseem, Chairman - BIRMINGHAM CENTRAL MOSQUE