UAE | General

Indians in UAE take a pledge to fight terrorism

"Please don't cry mummy," said a young boy when he saw his mother break down in tears while watching the two-minute footage of the aftermath of the Mumbai terror strike shown at the Shaikh Rashid Auditorium.

  • By Sunita Menon, Staff Reporter
  • Published: 23:35 December 4, 2008
  • Gulf News

Dubai: "Please don't cry mummy," said a young boy when he saw his mother break down in tears while watching the two-minute footage of the aftermath of the Mumbai terror strike shown at the Shaikh Rashid Auditorium.

The Indian community in Dubai had gathered in large numbers to pay their respects to the victims and light a candle of solidarity.

Also present on the occasion where Shaikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister for Foreign Trade; Mohammad Sharaf, chief executive officer of DP World, Venu Rajamony, Indian Consul General and Paul Sutphin, US Consul General. The condolence meeting was organised by the Indian Community Welfare Committee.

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Speaking on the occasion, Shaikha Lubna said: "I am deeply saddened by what happened in Mumbai. There were innocent people who were killed. To fight terrorism we must all be united."

Considering himself fortunate among those who escaped the carnage, Sharaf said: "What took place at Mumbai was deplorable but India is a vibrant country and it will bounce back. I am sure of it."

Rajamony said the terrorists who struck in hospitals, the railway station and the two hotels where tourists and businessmen stayed reflect the blind hatred that they were driven with. Their intentions were to drive a bigger wedge between the people of India.

"Why were the foreigners and businessmen made a target? Is it to pull down the economy? India has registered a growth rate of nne per cent for the last three years and even in times of global financial crunch, India is expected to register a seven per cent growth. The goal of the terrorists was to bring India down on her knees and divide it," said Rajamony. He said India will rise like a phoenix once again. "We will have a caring and shining India," said Rajamony.

The community also took pledge to fight terrorism globally and do what it takes to make this world a better place to live.

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