South African religious organisations condemn terrorist attack in Delhi
Police personnel stand near the charred remains of vehicles at the site of a car blast near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station in Delhi, India
Image: IANS
SOUTH AFRICAN religious organisations have condemned the deadly terrorist attack in India's capital city.
The incident occurred on Monday evening when a Haryana-registered car parked near Gate No.1 of the Red Fort Metro Station in Delhi exploded, killing several people and injuring over 20.
The Indian Union Cabinet declared it a terrorist attack, saying in a resolution, “The country has witnessed a heinous terror incident, perpetrated by anti-national forces, through a car explosion”.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad of South Africa condemned the bomb blast and urged the international community to speak out against such heinous acts of terror.
"We call upon peace loving citizens to stand together in solidarity to light a lamp daily at 6pm to honour the innocent lives that were destroyed," said the Vishwa Hindu Parishad SA.
Satish Komal, chairperson of the Lotus Economic Forum, South Africa, condemned yet another terrorist attack in Delhi.
"The loss of the lives of innocent people going about their lives, regrettably, comes as no surprise. We are again witness to the scourge of a sick mentality that mine and mine-alone must prevail, and all others that do not bow before what I believe should be wiped out from the face of the earth.
"Terrorists and terrorism are rife across the globe, and the sooner we remove our blinkers that make us think that these are isolated issues and we are safe, the better.
"More than condemning these heinous acts and calling for prayer meetings and extending condolence messages to grieve and mourn the loss of innocent lives and the immense pain it inflicts on their family and friends, we need to awaken to the fact that we have a serious problem that none of us are immune to and that we need to vigorously plan and prepare to combat the recurrence of these inhumane acts everywhere," said Komal.
The Hindu Association of the Western Cape said the attack was again evidence that all is not well as religion-based terrorism repeatedly rears its ugly head worldwide.
"No one is immune and safe from these terrorist elements that have become the bane of peace and harmony to all those that aspire towards creating a better and harmonious world.
"There are many such people that harbour hatred for those that are different from them. They parade casually amongst us, laughing and pretending to be one and with us, but are in fact wolves in sheep's clothing," read a statement from the Hindu Association of the Western Cape.
The South African Hindu Maha Sabha has also denounced the act.
The Maha Sabha, in a statement, expressed their condolences to the family and friends of loved ones who lost their lives in the blast.
"We share in the grief of the people of India during this painful time and pray for the swift recovery of all who have been injured.
"The Maha Sabha strongly condemns all acts of terrorism, violence and extremism, which have no place in any society or religion. Such senseless acts only bring suffering and division, undermining the values of peace, compassion, and humanity that we hold dear."