The Friends of River Narmada condemns the violent attacks and mass murder at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and near Pittsburgh, PA on September 11th. This act of terror was a crime against humanity. Thousands of people have been affected by the events directly and indirectly through personal losses or those of friends, relatives, co-workers, and acquaintances. To all of those thus affected, here in the US and everywhere across the world, we offer our heartfelt condolences and express our solidarity.
The anguish and rage being felt by many deeply affected by this tragedy is understandable. However, at the same time, we feel that reacting to the situation on the basis of this rage and anguish will be truly tragic for the world at large. We believe that a violent response to the events in an attempt to root out terrorism will only worsen the problem and continue the cycle of violence.
These are trying times for everyone that test our resolve, convictions, ideologies, and moral courage. It is in such trying times that we need to be strong and assert a respect for all human life. Consequently, we urge everyone to search out peaceful ways of responding to the situation. The problems of terrorism that face us are truly global and therefore, the struggle against terrorism (of all kinds, whether conducted by individuals, groups, or by nations) must be conducted by engaging the wider global community and global institutions.
Moreover, we believe that there is a historical context for everything that happens in the world. Therefore, any long-term realistic solutions to the problem will need an examination of the historical context and the role of the US and other countries in leading up to the current tragedy.
Further, we also call upon all to rally around in support of ethnic groups who are being attacked in the aftermath of the tragedy. Targetting entire ethnic groups for the acts committed by a few is unbecoming of tolerant and diverse communities. We wish and hope that local and global communities show sensitivity in their actions as we collectively cope with what has happened and search for long-lasting solutions to a peaceful world.