American Hindus Gather to Mourn Shootings at Swaminarayan Temple in India

September 26, 2002

Source: The Association of Indian Muslims of America

In a press relase dated September 26, 2002 The Association of Indian Muslims of America stated that "We the Association of Indian Muslims of America, Washington, DC, have been shocked to learn of the horrible terrorist attack on the Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. On behalf of about 150,000 Indian Muslims in US, we categorically condemn this most reprehensible and cowardly attack, in the strongest possible terms. The violent attack on civilians, especially inside a place of worship that resulted in the killing of about 30 people and the wounding of about 100 people, is an affront to humanity. The perptrators of this evil act have no belief in any religion or faith except in terrorism. We appeal to all people of India, especially our Hindu brothers and sisters, to remain calm.  We appeal to the Indian government to take swift action to apprehend the perpetrators of this crime and their associates, and bring them to justice. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of those Hindu brothers and sisters, who were killed and wounded in this awful violence."