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Date: October 30, 2005
TAMPA,
FL - The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) expressed outrage over the
bomb blasts in New Delhi, India last night that have already killed 61
people and injured hundreds. Timed to precede the Hindu festival of
Deepavali (Diwali), one of the most important festivals for Hindus
worldwide, the bombs claimed shoppers that filled the streets and
popular markets. An Islamist terrorist group operating in the Indian
state of Jammu and Kashmir has claimed responsibility, while an
Al-Qaeda connection is also suspected. The Government of Pakistan has
admitted logistical and material support to such terrorist outfits in
the past.
"Terrorism focusing on Hindus, even
as they celebrate their most joyous festival extolling the victory of
good over evil, adds a horrific dimension to this tragedy," said Aseem
Shukla, M.D., and Member of the HAF Board of Directors. "The timing of
this blast, as India and Pakistan move to peace and as Hindus and
Muslims help each other after the massive earthquake earlier this
month, shows the utter inhumanity of those terrorists."
HAF highlighted the Pakistan
connection to Kashmir terrorism in meetings with members of the U.S.
Senate and House of Representatives last week, and urged the U.S.
government to demand that Pakistan take further action to end radical
Islamist activity in that country. But India, also, must do more HAF
leaders feel.
"As the spiritual motherland for a
billion Hindus worldwide, India must secure its citizens from
terrorism, especially when Islamist terrorists have previously
demonstrated a propensity for attacking Hindus in their temples and
during their festivals," Dr. Shukla said. |
