September 25th 2003
For Immediate release
American Federation of Muslims
of Indian Origin (AFMI)
The latest bomb blasts in Mumbai
speak of the inability of the Central Government to control law and order
forces to combat terrorism effectively in various parts of the country.
The bomb blast in Mumbai is the
cowardly act, is reprehensible and must be condemned by all those who believe
in the sanctity of human life. The American Federation of Muslims of Indian
Origin (AFMI)demand a high level probe to bring the terrorists to justice.
The occurrence of the blast at a time when the country is going to polls
in four major states clearly indicates that special interest groups are
keen to turn the electoral fight into a religious or ethnic war. AFMI urges
Muslims and all others who believe in secular ideals of peaceful pluralism
to take a stand on the issue and ensure that those who perpetuate terrorism
and those who benefit from it are not allowed to succeed.
Among the victims were people belonging
to different religious communities. We pray to God to heal the wounds of
those who survived and give them perseverance to overcome the grief caused
by the act. AFMI offers its condolences to all the survivors of the victims
and urges the Muslim community in Bombay and other places to remain vigilant
of those elements who might use the opportunity to promote hatred against
it.
Contact: AFMI,29008 West Eight Mile
Road
Farmington, MI 48336, USA
Tel:248-442-2364
Fax:248-478-7054
email:afmi11@aol.com
www.afmi.org
_______________________________________________
Dear friends:
All of you know that a set of most
horrible bomb blasts occurred on Sunday in Mumbai. It is reported that
about 45 people were killed and about 160 people were injured. The victims
included Hindus, Muslims, Christians. Most of the victims were ordinary
working people. One of the blasts occurred close to a prominent Hindu temple.
This is a most horrible attack on the Indian nation and must be condemned
by all in most clear terms.
But more than anything it is the
basic duty of all of us that in this critical hour, we Indian-Americans
of diverse religious and ethnic bsackgrounds assemble, invoke the ancient
non-violence creed of our nation, and reinforce the common quest of all
Indians for peace, Shanti, Sadbhavna, harmony.
A candle light Shanti vigil and
condolence meeting will be held at 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM, at the Mahatma Gandhi
statue, (infront of the Indian Embassy at 2107 Massachussetts Avenue, Washington
DC), tomorrow, August 26 (Tuesday).
All are cordially invited to attend
this very important event. Come as you are and express your solidarity
against violence and for peace. Bring your friends.
Kaleem Kawaja
Association for India's Development
Non Resident Indians for Secular
and Harmonious India
___________________________________________________________
Indian Muslim Council-USA condemns
explosions in south Mumbai.
Indian Muslim Council-USA, a Washington
based advocacy group working toward safeguarding Indian society's pluralist
and tolerant ethos, condemned the multiple bomb blasts in Mumbai, India
on August 25, 2003.
According to news reports received
on August 25, 2003, more than 45 innocent lives were lost when multiple
bomb explosions rocked India's financial capital, Mumbai.
Rasheed Ahmed, Vice-President of
IMC-USA said, "We are always deeply pained by such senseless acts of violence.
We callon the Indian government to arrest the perpetrators of this heinous
act and swiftly bring them to justice and seek maximumpenalty under the
law. We are confident that Indian government will not let the violence
escalate to avoid further loss oflife and civility. We stand in sympathy
with the families and friends of those who lost their lives and call on
all Indians tojoin together and condemn all violence against innocent civilians."
Since it was founded on the independence day, August 15th, 2001, IMC-USA
has been actively promoting values of pluralism and tolerance amongstthe
Indian Diaspora in the United
States. Contact: Rasheed Ahmed1(708)
466-0244