"No religion condones violence done under whatever name," the chief of the country`s largest Islamic organization, KH Said Aqil Siraj, said here on Friday.
Therefore, he called on all sides to exercise restraint so that the notion of "Islam is a blessing for all" could really materialize and "our oriental values can prevail."
NU appealed to all people not to easily to take the law into their own hands when facing problems in social relationships.
"Our country adheres to the rule of law. People cannot take the law into their own hands," he said.
In connection with the torching incident Said called on the police to immediately take strategic steps to prevent it from escalating further.
NU also urged the government to seriously meet its obligation of ensuring the rule of law and protecting all citizens regardless of their religion or faith.
The Misbahul Huda school managed by a Shiite group in the village of Nangkernang, Karang Gayam, in the district of Sampang was attacked by a group of people on Thursday (Dec 29).
In the incident three houses and a house of worship are burned but there were no casualties.
More police meanwhile had been sent to the location to ensure security.
Sampang police chief Adjunct Senior Commissioner Solehan said he had deployed 800 men including military personnel to prevent the incident from recurring.
Due to the incident hundred families had been forced to live in evacuation centers.
"We have accommodated the Shiite group families at the Wijaya Kusuma sports hall where we think they are safer," he said.
The conflict between Sunnis and Shiites in Sampang had happened since 2006 but it could not as yet be settled until now.
It was started by a personal dispute between local Shiite leader Tajul Mulu and Sunni leader KH Rois over students.
Due to circulating rumors that the Shiites were a deviant group, members of the Sunni community became emotional and eventually proceeded to attack and torch the house of the Shiite leader in Karang Gayam and a Shiite school on Thursday.
(Uu.H-YH/HAJM/B003)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
