Hindu radicals set up 'suicide squad'

The first Hindu 'suicide squad' to counter Islamic terrorism has been set up by a branch of India's radical-nationalist Shiv Sena party, two weeks after its leader Bal Thackeray urged followers to 'match killers with killers'.

In an unsigned statement, a district party unit in the eastern state of Orissa said the squad was formed last week by over 100 activists. The meeting was presided over by local party president Sanjay Mohapatra, who asked Hindu youths to be aware of terrorist and 'anti-national' elements in India.

Thackeray called on Hindus to form suicide squads after Islamic terrorists attacked a Hindu temple in Gujarat, western India, in which 44 people died.

Thackeray is known for his animosity towards Muslims and other Indian minorities and for inflammatory outbursts, but his call to arms shocked even those accustomed to his diatribes. The police in Mumbai has charged Thackeray with inciting communal hatred.

Referring to the charge, Mr Mohapatra is said to have told his fellow activists in Orissa that if Thackeray was arrested for his remarks, 'the government would be held responsible for the consequences'.

In the past, when people in Mumbai have protested against Thackeray's rabble-rousing, his followers have gone on the rampage, attacking people and damaging buildings.