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Washington, D.C. (July 29, 2008) - The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) vociferously condemned the latest jihadi violence in two important Indian cities, Ahmedabad and Bangolore, which left nearly fifty people dead over the past weekend. An Islamist terror outfit calling itself the "Indian Mujahideen", a network of Indian and foreign-born Muslims believed to be supported directly by the Pakistani spy agency and other banned terrorist groups, proclaimed the upcoming attacks just before the bombs were detonated.
"Another bombing, more lives lost, and Indians find themselves to have suffered the highest number of terror casualties after Iraq," said Samir Kalra, Esq., HAF's incoming coordinator of its annual Hindu human rights report. "The abject failure of the Government of India to counter the menace of Islamist terrorism and protect its people with an iron-fist is a moral failure and human rights disaster."
While the bombings in Bangalore left one person dead and were initially considered "low-intensity," the more than one dozen coordinated bombings in Ahmedabad, including an especially savage bombing at the city's largest hospital--that killed doctors treating injured civilians--left at least 45 dead and were premeditated to cause the greatest number of casualties possible.
HAF leaders were relieved that there were no communal disturbances in any of the cities after the bombings knowing that the strategic aim of the attacks to promote civil unrest had failed.
"The pluralistic and tolerant ethos of India's Hindu heritage has withstood another challenge--just as it has with few exceptions over millenia," added Kalra. "But the Indian government must re-instate anti-terror laws and other measures to ensure the security of its people."
Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-NY) condemned the tragedy and stated “My deepest sympathies go out to the families and loved ones of those killed in this weekend’s tragic bombings in Ahmedabad and Bangalore. Across the globe, we share the profound grief borne by such senseless acts of violence. "
The Foundation hoped to come together with members of the U.S. Congress and human rights groups to work assiduously now to condemn the violence that has visited that city once again.
The Hindu American Foundation is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, non-partisan organization promoting the Hindu and American ideals of understanding, tolerance and pluralism. Contact HAF at 1-301-770-7835 or on the web at www.HAFsite.org.
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