PESHAWAR, Oct 22: Jamiat Ulema-i-Pakistan leader Maulana Shah Ahmad Noorani has urged the people to wage war against America and termed the US attack on Afghanistan a war between Muslims and infidels.

Addressing the Azam-i-Jihad conference at a mosque here on Sunday, he came down heavily on President Gen Pervez Musharraf for justifying the US strikes on Afghanistan and providing information and logistic support to the allied forces.

The conference was organised by Tanzeem Ahl-i-Sunna Wal Jamaat, Khyber Agency, to express solidarity with the people of Afghanistan and condemn the US attacks. Pir Shamsul Amin of Manki Shareef presided over the conference.

Maulana Noorani asked the government to cut off diplomatic relations with America and wage Jihad. He maintained that it was against the teaching of Islam to help America because President Bush had declared crusade against Muslims by launching air and ground attacks on Afghanistan.

He said every Muslim should participate in the war against America to fulfil his religious obligation.

He said the US wanted access to central Asian states to occupy natural resources.

The conference, through a unanimous resolution, urged the people to participate in the war against America and assist the Afghans.

It was announced that relief goods worth Rs1.4 million had been sent to Afghanistan a few days ago while relief assistance worth Rs3 million would be sent soon.