Muslim extremists who protested against a military home-coming parade have been condemned by the Luton Council of Mosques.
In a statement released earlier today spokesperson Dr Fiaz Hussain said their actions were 'ill-advised and wholly misguided.'
A group of around 20 to 30 extremists protested at yesterday's march to celebrate the safe return of the 2nd Battalion, the Royal Anglian Regiment.
They held banners which included headlines such as 'Anglian soldiers are war criminals' and 'Butchers of Basra' and chanted through a megaphone.
In the statement Dr Hussain said: 'The Luton Council of Mosques (LCM), the representative body for the Muslims of Luton and surrounding areas, strongly condemns and totally disassociates itself from the behaviour of a few ego-centred individuals during the return parade of soldiers.
'Their actions were ill-advised and misguided.
'Although the Iraq war is viewed by many British people (Muslim or not) as being unjust, the soldiers cannot be held responsible for the decisions made by the Government. Indeed, if anything, the protestors should be using their resources to utilise the democratic process to air their grievances.
'Attacking the soldiers who have risked their lives for our country and the right of all of us to have the freedom we enjoy cannot and is not correct.
'It appears this tiny minority will stop at nothing to get attention. They have tried unsuccessfully in the past to disrupt the Holocaust Memorial Day and the Luton Faith Walk -events which are aiming to enhance understanding and value of all citizens irrespective of their faith.
'The LCM has always been supportive of all initiatives that bring communities together and improve understanding and respect.
'We therefore entirely reject any message that causes discord and discomfort in community relations.'
Speaking on behalf of Luton Borough Council Kevin Crompton, chief executive, said: "We welcome the response of the Luton Council of
Mosques and the Luton Council of Faiths to yesterday's events at the parade of The 2nd Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment (The Poachers), Royal Anglian regiment.
"Luton is a town of many faiths and cultures - we take pride in this diversity and celebrate it regularly through a range of cultural and multi faith events. The majority of our citizens value this diversity and the town is united in its opposition to that tiny minority with extreme views who wish to threaten our cohesion. As a diverse town, there will be many different views on recent conflicts, but it was only an extremely small group who choose yesterday to protest in a fashion which most people see as being unacceptable.
"We value freedom of speech but it should be used responsibly. The brave young men and women who serve in the forces do so without question and fulfil their duty.
"Over 4000 people gathered to show their appreciation of the 'Poachers' in Luton - a fitting tribute to a regiment with close ties to
this town."
Elsewhere, Conservative Party Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Luton North, Jeremy Brier also spoke out against the protestors.
He said: "We should all be incredibly proud of our brave soldiers who have been defending our national and international interests in Afghanistan and Iraq.
"They are the best troops in the world and it is absolutely right that we should be celebrating their homecoming in Luton.
"It is outrageous that such a demonstration should take place attacking our soldiers and undermining our pride. We must stand up to these fanatics and not let them further erode our society and our values."