Thackeray for 'Hindu suicide squads'

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MUMBAI, Jun 19 (PTI): In controversial remarks, Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray Wednesday advocated the creation of "Hindu suicide squads" to fight the scourge of "Islamic terrorism."

The remarks immediately drew sharp condemnation from ally Bhartiya Janata Party which said Thackeray must behave responsibly. The Communist Party of India too reacted angrily saying Thackeray should not attempt to instigate communal strife.

In a controversial editorial in the Sena's mouthpiece 'Saamna', Thackeray said "The threat of Islamic terror in India is rising. It is time to counter the same with Hindu terror.

Hindu suicide squads should be readied to ensure existence of Hindu society and to protect the nation."

Thackeray went on to say that "the Hindus were safe during the Moghul invasion only because the Maratha warrior Shivaji had the courage to raise his swords against them".