Thaindian News

London, Apr 10 (ANI): Former head of the Armed Forces Lord Guthrie has warned that plans for a mosque overlooking Sandhurst could lead to attacks on the Royal Military Academy.

The Daily Mail quoted Lord Guthrie as saying in a letter that he is worried about the ’security’ of the two 100 feet minarets, which will tower over the mosque, 300 yards from the Sandhurst parade ground.

In the letter written to the planning inspector chairing an inquiry into the proposed mosque, Lord Guthrie - who was Chief of the Defence Staff under Tony Blair, expressed dissatisfaction over promises from the mosque leaders that it will not fall into the hands of extremists who support a ‘doctrine of hate’.

It also expressed fears among senior military figures that the minarets could be used by snipers or other terrorists.

Supporters of the mosque, however, have branded the claim as irresponsible and untrue.

A Victorian school building is set to be demolished so that the three million pounds building could be made. Over 6,500 people have signed a petition to oppose it.

Hundreds of newly commissioned Army officers take to Sandhurst’s parade ground each year for the academy’s passing-out ceremony.

Raising concern over the issue, Lord Guthrie wrote: “As a former Sandhurst cadet I must express my grave concern about the wisdom of allowing such a structure to proceed.”

Referring to ’specific security concern about access to the proposed minarets’ and warning of the danger of the mosque ceasing to be run by ‘responsible individuals’, he added: “As has happened in many houses of worship, the nature of mosque management can change over time as moderates are replaced by more extreme elements.” (ANI)