Online Reporter
Gibson Nyikadzino – Zimpapers Politics Hub
Representatives of the Indian community in Zimbabwe last week condemned the April 22 terror attacks that claimed 26 innocent lives in the Indian administered Kashmir region, expressing their grief and sympathy with the affected people at a prayer meeting in Harare.
India’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Bramha Kumar said the “horrendous terror attack” in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir had similarities with the March 2000 attack, which claimed the lives of 35 Sikhs in Chittisinghpura Village in Jammu and Kashmir.
“As in past such attacks, the attackers targeted a particular community by asking people to identify themselves by their religion and then killing them. People were asked to recite certain religious texts, and upon failing to do so, they were shot on the head at point-blank range. Initial input points to communication nodes in Pakistan.
“It is important to be explicit in recognising this abhorrent attack for what it is, and to call out terrorists and condemn terrorism, killings and murder of innocent civilians. These are not mere armed attacks,” Ambassador Kumar said.
India-born Zimbabwe national, Mr Muhammad Anis Girach said the terrorists used the veil of religion in committing their acts, adding that the culprits are not Muslims.
“I was born in India and have been in Zimbabwe for 30 years now, and my heart goes out to all of you. These people have no religion. They brainwashed themselves and want to kill people. This should not happen to anyone or any sect in any part of the world,” Mr Girach said.
He said the Quran does not condone the killing of people.
Another representative, Mr Yash, said non-violence is the supreme duty of every man.
“Those walking on the path of terrorism should not act like this because we are all humans. Non-violence is the supreme duty of every human being,” he said.
