Mumbai: Thackeray says He Has No Enmity with Indian Muslims

Mumbai, March 22 (IANS): Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray Tuesday said he was not against Indian Muslims but those from outside.

In the second part of his interview to party mouthpiece 'Saamna', Thackeray emphatically said he had no complaints, grudge or enmity with the Muslims of India.

His ire, he said, was directed only against those coming from outside the country and creating problems here.

"I have no grudge or enmity against the Muslims who have been living here since generations. My objection is to those who have sneaked into the country from outside. They should be caught and lynched or kicked out," he said.

Thakceray cited Muslims from Pakistan and Bangladesh in this context.

"They come and incite our Muslims. In the Konkan region (of coastal Maharashtra), the extremist elements who have sneaked in from outside are influencing our Konkani Muslims and spoiling them," he said.

Similarly, he said Muslims who help outsiders should also be considered equally guilty.