Hindus condemn Mumbai attacks - blame UK Charities for funding Terrorism
(26 November 2008)

The Hindu Forum of Britain (HFB) has condemned the terror attacks in Mumbai which left hundreds dead and 250 injured. A group called the Deccen Mujahideen is reported to have claimed responsibility of the coordinated bomb attacks and shootings, which specifically targeted British and American nationals. In a statement, the HFB partly blamed British Charities for funding terrorism.

“India has borne the brunt of religious terrorism in the South Asian region for over 50 years,” said Ramesh Kallidai, secretary general of the Hindu Forum of Britain. “The West seems to have woken up to it only since 9/11, but India continues to sacrifice innocent lives to religious terrorists often supported by Islamic groups in Pakistan.”

In July, the Hindu Forum of Britain had appealed to the Home Secretary Jacqui Smith to clamp down on British charities that were sending funds to Pakistan and diverting them to terrorist activities. “It is unacceptable for British soil to be used for funding terrorism originating in Pakistan and targeting India,” continued Ramesh Kallidai. “We urge the government to increase cooperation between British and Indian intelligence to weed out this problem that strikes at the very core of human dignity and ethical values.”

Today’s terrorist attacks follow a series of bomb blasts in various cities of India through the year. Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Bangalore were hit by elaborate terror campaigns that have claimed more than 150 lives over the past six months. The Indian Mujahideen, a previously unknown Islamist terror group, had claimed responsibility for previous attacks.

Other Hindu organisations like the Hindu Council of Birmingham, Hindu Council of Brent, Hindu Council Harrow and the Hindu Council of the North joined the Hindu Forum of Britain in condemning the attacks in Mumbai.

The national Hindu Council UK was more muted in its response. Anil Bhanot, General Secretary, released a statement saying "The Executive of the Hindu Council UK has been shocked and horrified by the news of terror attacks on our sisters and brothers in Mumbai. We condemn these atrocities utterly; there is no place on Mother Earth for such cowardly attacks, attacks which no religion, philosophy, ideology or political system can even begin to justify. We are praying for the swift and safe release of those taken hostage and send our sympathies and condolences to all who are injured and grieving. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti"