Musharraf explained the efforts the government made over the last six months to resolve the issue peacefully, but regretted that the militants and extremists were not ready to contain their activities. They had challenged the writ of the government and the most unfortunate event was the kidnapping of seven Chinese, he said. The president said nothing was more shameful for Pakistan than insecurity for citizens from China, a country which had always stood by Pakistan in difficult times. Musharraf praised ruling Pakistan Muslim League (PML) President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, ministers and Ulema of the Wafaqul Madaris for their efforts to resolve the issue through negotiation. He also lauded the commandos, police and Rangers who took part in the operation. He said the government had tried its best to ensure there were as few casualties as possible in the operation. He said 2,000 students had left Jamia Hafsa before July 3, while another 1,300 left later. We could have launched this operation much earlier but we wanted that maximum women and children leave this place, the president said. Musharraf said the extremists of Lal Masjid had tarnished the image of Islam. They were training the children for terrorism and extremism. The women were carrying batons and the men were armed with weapons. Is this what Islam teaches us? He said the militants had links with people in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and tribal area. We are supporting the NWFP government with full back-up support of the army to fight militancy and terrorism. The president urged moderates to support the government in changing the hearts and minds of those who had chosen militancy and extremism. He said Ulema and the Wafaqul Madaris should help bring all madrassas into the mainstream. Remove the sentiments of hatred and extremism from the hearts and minds of the students and guide them to shun militancy and terrorism, the president said.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/467035