Updated on Wednesday, June 18, 2008, 00:00 IST

Mumbai/New Delhi, June 18: In controversial remarks, Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray on Wednesday advocated the creation of "Hindu suicide squads" to fight the scourge of "Islamic terrorism."

The remarks immediately drew sharp condemnation from ally BJP which said Thackeray must behave responsibly. The CPI 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".

The Shiv Sena leader's comments came in the backdrop of the 'Hindu Bomb' allegedly planted by members of Hindu right wing activists in thane's Gadkari auditorium in which seven persons were injured.

"It was heartening to know that it was the supporters of Hindutva who had exploded the bomb in the theatre. But it was sad to know that it was planted to hurt the Hindus and I am ashamed about it", Thackeray said wondering why a theatre should be attacked.

BJP vice president Venkaiah Naidu said that people can't take law into their own hands.

"People should not take law into their hands. It is the duty of the government to counter terror," Naidu told reporters in Delhi.

Counselling Thackeray to respect the law, Naidu said BJP believes in democracy and the constitution. "There are democratic methods to address the problem of terrorism," he added.

The 'Saamna' editorial said instead of exploding bombs in theatres it would be better if they were exploded in "Mini Pakistan" in India where Bangladeshi infiltrators and Islamic terrorists have made their base.

It said Hindu organisations have to create a revolution. But it cannot be achieved by putting useless bombs in theatres like 'Gadkari Rangayatan.'

The police had arrested four persons in connection with the theatre explosion saying that their motive was to register their protest to the screenings of Marathi play 'Amhi Panchpute' as they felt it caricaturised Hindu deities.

CPI leader D Raja said Thackeray's remarks were highly condemnable. Raja also said the Shiv Sena leader was known for making such inflammatory statements.

Bureau Report