Suicide bombings are permitted if a country is at war: Zakir Naik

New Delhi: Controversial Mumbai-based Islamic preacher Zakir Naik addressed a press conference via Skype in Mumbai on Friday. Naik began his conference with introductory remarks about condemning the France terror attack which killed 84 people and injured 197. Naik, who is known for raking up controversies made another very controversial remark over "suicide bombings" across the world. According to Naik, “Suicide bombings are permitted if a country is at war and is directed by a commander”. Naik also made an attempt to justify his statement by making a reference to Second World War saying “Suicide bombing was used as a tactic during Second World War”. Naik also said that “No Indian Government official has approached me in the last 8-9 days. It's only media people from across the world who are contacting me”. Naik also claimed to have officially addressed IPS officers. “I have addressed IPS officials in the past.  I'm ready to co-operate with agencies id required”. He also added that he has “never encouraged” anyone to “kill innocents”. He admitted in a reply to a question that he is not aware of illiteracy rate among Muslims in India. During the press briefing, Naik claimed to have replies in the form of proofs; to all the allegations levied against him. He claimed he have them stored in a pen-drive for the journalists. Zakir Naik claimed that he is clean and that he is being wrongly framed by the media. He also said that those who are ‘wrongly interpreting’ him must be punished. “My answers are altered to misguide people” He also put forth an open “challenge” to show any unedited video of his speech where he is seen not condemning a terror attack. Naik is currently on a lecture tour in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Africa.