Terror 'does not have a religion'

The Isis attack in Paris shows a clear divide between Islam and the violent extremism.

A Northland Muslim man says Isis does not represent his religion and he's thankful to be living in a community that recognises a clear divide between Islam and the violent extremism spread by groups like Isis.

Though Suhil Musa, a member of Northland Muslim Community Charitable Trust, said he did have a "grim feeling" when he heard of the Isis-initiated attacks in Paris over the weekend, in case it spawned any bigotry towards Muslim people locally. This, however, had not eventuated, he said.

"So far I haven't heard of any backlash. Our community is grateful that we live in a society that can distinguish between everyday Muslims and Isis."

Co-ordinated terror attacks struck Paris about 9.20pm local time on Friday (9.20am Saturday NZT). It is thought there were at least seven separate attacks, killing 129 and injuring 352.

"Actions like this don't have a religion," Mr Musa said. "They can only be attested to a person, not a race or a religion. It is, in fact, simply a criminal act and it doesn't represent [the terrorists'] families, faith, or country."

Mr Musa said feedback from his contacts in the Northland Muslim community had been of "deepest sympathy and prayers" for anyone affected by the Paris attacks.

"The actions of a few do not represent us as Muslims ... We feel very sad for and supportive of the French people and hope there are no other incidents [involving Isis]."

Meanwhile, Northland's French language and culture society, Alliance Francaise, was working to organise a local commemoration.

Secretary Elizabeth Boutet was hopeful she would be able to organise an informal public gathering within the week and would aim to reach out to a number of migrant and cultural groups in Northland, including the Muslim community.

"I'm hoping all the communities would like to do something, once we know what is happening," she said.

Yesterday, NZ time, France launched a series of airstrikes on an Isis stronghold in Raqqa, Syria, in response to the Paris killings. A French Government spokesman said the strikes involved 12 aircraft and 20 bombs were dropped, and allegedly destroyed a jihadist training camp and a munitions dump. It was unknown at this stage how many people were killed.