Islamic anti-war march called off

Grace Hammond

A controversial Islamic group last night abandoned plans for an anti-war march through a town where processions for dead British soldiers are held.

Islam4UK provoked anger over a march through Wootton Bassett in Wiltshire, prompting MPs to urge local authorities and the Home Secretary to step in.

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A statement from leader of the group Anjem Choudary said the group had “successfully highlighted the plight of Muslims in Afghanistan”.

“We at Islam4UK have decided, after consultation with others including our Sheikh Omar Bakri Muhammad, that no more could be achieved even if a procession were to take place in Wootton Bassett.”

Islam4UK remained defiant and said it would continue to oppose the war in Afghanistan.

Mr Choudary said: “We once again appeal to the British public and in particular the families and friends of soldiers who have died or are currently involved in Afghanistan to engage with us in an honest dialogue.

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“There is common ground between us. Just as you grieve the deaths of your sons and daughters, we too grieve the deaths of thousands of ordinary Muslim men, women and children.”

There were reports yester- day that Home Secretary Alan Johnson planned to ban the group.

Mohammed Shafiq from the Ramadhan Foundation said Mr Choudary had been deliberately provocative. “His attempt to demonstrate at Wootton Bassett was set out to provoke hatred between communities and is not welcomed in the Muslim communities.”

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