US VOWS TO PROTECT MUSLIMS’ RIGHTS

Amid growing concerns over anti-Muslim backlash, the Obama administration has vowed to protect rights of American Muslims while battling security threats. “We are committed to protecting the rights of all Americans, including Muslims,” Attorney General Eric Holder told the first annual banquet of the Advocates and Leaders for Police and Community Trust (ALPACT). “I can assure you under my leadership the Department of Justice will enforce all of our nation’s laws with equal conviction.” Anti-Muslim voices have grown louder since a Muslim army psychiatrist shot dead 13 people and wounded 30 in Fort Hood military base in Texas earlier this month. American Muslims have vehemently denounced the shooting as running counter to the Islamic teachings. Muslim organisations have launched a fund to help families of the victims of the deadly shooting.