School bombings overshadow Independence Day celebrations
Christians express sorrow and a commitment to the unity of the nation.
New Delhi (AsiaNews) A bomb exploded in Dhemaji, a town in north-eastern Indian State of Assam, killing 22 people including several children. "This type of violence strikes the whole population irrespective of creed and religion," John Dayal, Secretary-General of the All India Catholic Union, told AsiaNews. "Yesterday the nation was united in celebrating; today it is united in condemning the wilful murder of the innocent."
The victims were taking part in a parade celebrating India's August 15 Independence Day when a bomb, buried in the ground, exploded among school children and their parents.
Last week some terrorist groups in the north-eastern corner of the country had urged people to boycott Independence Day celebrations calling it a "Black Day".
In anticipation of such threats the government had taken massive security precautions throughout the country. In New Delhi the air space over the capital was off-limits during the Prime Minister's traditional visit to the Red Fort.
In his speech Prime Minister Manmohan Singh pledged his steadfastness in fighting terrorism, which he reiterated later in the evening after the terrorist attacks.
The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), a terrorist group fighting for a separate Assam homeland, is thought to be behind what Assam's Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi called a "cowardly act".
Several rebel groups are operating in north-eastern India. Some seek greater autonomy; others seek outright secession accusing New Delhi of predatory practices vis-à-vis local resources.
"The north-east has also seen numerous episodes of religious persecution", John Dayal said. "The Church, in particular Mgr. Thomas Menamparampil, the Archbisop of Guwahati [Assam's commercial capital], have played a role in appeasing spirits and acting as a go-between with the government.
A rocket attack also hit Independence Day celebrations in Dangiwachi, a village 70 km north of Srinagar in the State of Jammu- Kashmir injuring 17 people, mostly children.
Indian forces and pro-Pakistan Muslim irredentists have been waging a bloody war for the past 50 years over the status of the State. Although Pakistan denies any official involvement in the violence in Kashmir, India holds her neighbour responsible for training and financing separatist terrorism. (MA)
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29/10/2004
