Share: Tweet

Washington, D.C. (July 15, 2011) - Leading members of the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) strongly condemned the deadly terrorist attacks during rush hour on Wednesday evening in Mumbai that left 18 dead and over 100 injured. The coordinated blasts went off within minutes of each other in three separate locations - Zaveri Bazaar, Opera House, and the Dadar neighborhood. According to media reports, no group has yet come forward to claim responsibility, although initial suspicion fell on the terrorist organization, Indian Mujahideen, which purportedly has ties with several Pakistan-based militant groups.

 

HAF expressed their sympathy to the victims of the attack and called on the Indian government to bring to justice those responsible for the blasts.

 

"We are deeply disturbed by these barbaric attacks on innocent civilians, and urge the Indian government to act swiftly to apprehend the perpetrators,” said Nikhil Joshi, Esq., Co-Founder and Board Member of HAF. “The people of Mumbai have shown great courage and resilience in the face of repeated terror strikes, and our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.”

 

Wednesday's bombings came less than three years after the deadly 2008 Mumbai attacks, which Indian officials blamed on the Pakistani militant group, Lashkar-e-Taiba, alleged to have close connections to the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Directorate. The latest attacks also occurred ahead of a scheduled meeting between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers, and some analysts speculated that the blasts were intended to derail peace talks between the two countries.

 

Investigations revealed that the bombs were comprised of improvised explosive devices with ammonium nitrate and timing devices, placed in specific locations to inflict the maximum amount of damage and casualties.

 

"It is unconscionable that Indian men, women, and children continue to be subjected to such senseless acts of violence,” said HAF’s Director, Samir Kalra, Esq. “The Indian government and security agencies must implement effective security measures to prevent any future attacks.”

 

The Foundation commended the Indian public for exercising restraint and maintaining calm given the challenging circumstances.