World Community UNITE to defeat evil of terrorism!

by Jeanne Jayasinghe

(November 28, Melbourne, Sri Lanka Guardian) SPUR unreservedly condemns the killings, property damage and disruption of civilian life in Bombay by a group of terrorists. In this grief-stricken instance SPUR extends its sympathies to the people and the Government of India and share their resolve to overcome the consequences of terrorism.

The important fact is not whether the group that carried out these deadly acts were home grown or externally based terrorists, but that all terrorist organizations depend on each other for technical know-how, training and information gathering. Unfortunately, these terrorist organizations are used by interested parties to destabilize nation states in order to attain their questionable geo-political objectives.

India as an emerging world power and a leader in the region should act pro-actively to stem terrorism without falling prey to the temptation of using terrorist organizations for political ends. If the investigations into the present crisis are handled in co-operation with the SAARC members, the whole region will be able to control terrorism in the region and their cross-border activities.

As a Sri Lankan organization it is with extreme concern that we mention the questionable role that India played in training and equipping the Tamil Tigers whose armed violence set fire to Sri Lanka. It is regretted that even at present some political parties, individuals and organizations in India do extend assistance to Tamil Tigers in spite of Indian anti-terrorist laws. It is indeed ironical that even as we write this, two Indians are in Canada and Australia to eulogize Tamil Tiger in celebrating Tiger Heroes Day!

We are confident that the Government and the people of India will emerge stronger from the present crisis and will resolve to adopt a policy of zero-tolerance towards all terrorist organizations and will use India's diplomatic strengths to request the world community to stop funding and promoting terrorism as per the UN Resolutions.

Any overt or covert assistance to any terrorist organization either for domestic or geo-political reasons should be condemned as it will only encourage terrorists and terrorism.

As articulated by the Late Mr Lakshman Kadirgamar, former Sri Lankan Foreign Minister assassinated by the Tamil Tigers:

[The Writer, the President , SPUR (Society for Peace, Unity and Human Rights for Sri Lanka Inc) ] - Sri Lanka Guardian