Why no action taken for 25 yrs if Naik's speeches encourage militancy, asks Abu Azmi

Coming out in support of Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Abu Azmi on Wednesday categorically ruled out allegations levelled on Naik and sought to know as to why action was not taken against him for the last 25 years if his speeches were inspiring terrorists.

He further sought to know if India's intelligence was sleeping when Naik visited worldwide to deliver speech.

"Why no action was taken for the last 25 years if Naik was encouraging militancy. If Satyapal is saying that he had submitted a report, then he must be ashamed as he was the Mumbai Police commissioner then and could have take action. But then he had no point to investigate. If you forcefully say such things, we won't tolerate it," Azmi said.

The SP leader also called for a fair inquiry into the charges against Naik.

The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) had yesterday condemned the "media trial" of Naik.

AIMIM MLA from Aurangabad Imtiaz Jaleel in a statement said his party respects and follows the rule of the land and feels nobody could be pronounced guilty unless the court gives its judgement by following the due process of law.

"By hounding Zakir Naik, the media, particularly some national television channels, have already pronounced their judgement even when a formal case is yet to be registered against him. On mere hearsay, the media cannot pronounce anybody as supporter of terrorism," the statement said.

However, Naik had yesterday cancelled his return to India from Saudi Arabia after he came under scanner for allegedly inciting religious intolerance. He will address a press conference via skype on July 14th in Mumbai.

The presser will be held at 11:30 am at the World Trade Centre, Cuffe Parade in Mumbai and will also be addressed by other personalities.