NEW YORK: In reaching out on Capitol Hill while conveying grave concern over the recent wave of terrorist attacks on India, the US-India Political Action Committee (USINPAC) found senior Members of Congress expressing tremendous support for India. Specifically, strong words of encouragement were heard for India to continue its very important and helpful role in Afghanistan, and more calls for closer security cooperation between the United States and India.
"The attack on the Indian Embassy in Kabul earlier this month and the recent bombings in India remind us that all nations can be victims of terrorism," said Congressman Howard Berman (D-CA), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. "I deplore these cowardly and despicable acts and offer my sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones. India is a country that stands for free and democratic values.
I applaud its efforts to invest in the stability and development of Afghanistan and hope these terrorists are brought to justice as quickly as possible." "The threat of Islamist militants knows no borders and is one that confronts us all," said Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Member on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. "I strongly condemn the terrorist attacks against the Indian people and their interests -- both inside their country and, recently, in Kabul, Afghanistan and extend my condolences to the victims and their families.
The Congress and the United States government as a whole must continue to work with and support the government and the people of India in their efforts to keep their nation safe from the enemies of freedom and democracy." "It should be clear to the enemies of freedom and democracy that these horrible acts will not weaken the strong bond that exists between the United States and India, and it will not dissuade India from continuing to support Afghanistan in pursuit of an enduring peace in the region," said Sanjay Puri, Chairman of USINPAC.
On the community front, the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) expressed strong and unequivocal condemnation of the series of bombings in Bangalore and Ahmedabad on July 25 and July 26, respectively, that killed at least 29 innocent people and left many more injured. A GOPIO statement said it considers these brutal and despicable acts as unforgivable and unjustified criminal actions directed to create widespread fear among innocent citizens.
"This is indeed a heinous act against humanity. GOPIO condemns this brutal and savage attack perpetrated against innocent citizens and the sick in a hospital. We share the pain and anguish of our brethren and sisters in India, and extend our condolences to the families of the victims and offer prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured," said Inder Singh, President of GOPIO International. "It is obvious that these senseless attacks are meant to cause terror among our citizens," said K. N. Gupta, President of GOPIO of India.
"Terror will not succeed as the will of decent people shall overcome such criminal acts," continued Gupta. Commends the Government of India for its diligent efforts in providing emergency services to the survivors, GOPIO said it would fully support all measures taken by the government to bring security, calm and confidence to the people and applauds all efforts to prevent similar attacks in the future.
"We all grieve that such inhumane and uncivilized crimes has been perpetrated against innocent people in the land of our birth and forbears, a land where freedom has in itself been savagely wounded by the criminals," said Dr Thomas Abraham, Chairman of GOPIO International. "We are very confident that the people of India will survive these national disasters and will retain courage, sense of dignity, pride, their values and their freedom. There is no doubt that a resilient nation as India will overcome these brutal and senseless attacks and the Government of India takes necessary steps to prevent similar violence in the future," said Ashook Ramsaran, Secretary General of GOPIO.
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