THE acts of terrorism in the USA and the bombing of Afghanistan came under the spotlight at a special meeting.

Bury North MP David Chaytor was the guest at the event, held at the Jinnah Day Care Centre in Bury.

Also among the 50 guests were Bury Council leader Councillor John Byrne and representatives from the ethnic and host communities.

Jinnah chairman Mr Shafique Naqshbandi said that the aim of last Friday's (Oct 12) meeting was twofold.

"We wanted to let the people of Bury know that Muslims totally and utterly condemn what happened in America on September 11.

"Secondly, we wanted to know what the fears were of local Muslim people and the women and children." He added: "It was made perfectly clear at the meeting that, while obviously we are afraid, there have been no significant complaints or any abuse."

The meeting also highlighted the current bombing of Afghanistan and questioned whether such military action would ultimately achieve the proper objectives.

In particular, some of those attending the meeting were worried about what the implications could be for neighbouring Pakistan.

Mr Naqshbandi continued: "If the objective is to catch Bin Laden and others in his movement, then there should be peace in Afghanistan and no repercussions for the country they come from.

"Pakistan is at the sharp end and the country is unstable at the moment. People are being killed there by the security forces. Our fears are genuine."

The chairman described the meeting as "very good" and said that Mr Chaytor was impressed by what he heard.