HOLY NAJAF, Iraq: Iraqi Sunni and Shia leaders while strongly denouncing deadly aggression against the holy shrine of Al-Imam Ali Al-Hadi and Al-Imam Al-Askari (peace be upon them) in Samarra have termed it a heinous conspiracy to create sectarian conflict and tear apart unity of Iraqi Sunni and Shia brethren.

Leading demonstrations, they said weeping bitterly that Imamain Askariyain (peace be upon them) bear a special high place in hearts of all Sunni-Shia Muslims. They said those who are attacking mosques following the aggression against the holy shrine are enemies of Islam and Iraq who aim to create rift among Muslims. Iraqis should understand this conspiracy.

Sheikh Ahmed Ad-Dhayi, member Sunni Muslim Scholars Organization, said, “This terror act which targeted shrine holy to Muslims is aimed at creating sectarian conflict among Iraqis.”

Sheikh Ahmed Abdulghafor As-SAmaarai, President Sunni Endowment Board, said: “aggression against the holy shrine of Al-Imam Ali Al-Hadi is a criminal and cowardice act.”

In a meeting with Holy Najaf’s three Grand Maraje i.e. Sayyed Muhammad Said Al-Hakim, Hafez Bashir Hussain An-Najafi and Sheikh Ishaq Al-Fayyadh, Ayatullah Sayyed Ali As-Sistani called for self restraint and peaceful protest rallies.

The meeting was held at the residence of As-Sistani in Holy Najaf on Wednesday soon after the deadly attack.

As-Sistani held the government responsible for maintaining peace and security, and said today its responsibilities have increased to stop consecutive criminal attacks that target holy sites and if it is unable to protect the sacred shrines, then Mo’minin (believers) are able to do so with the help of Allah The Almighty.