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Media Release on the Internal Violence
in India
The South African Government is deeply saddened by
the loss of lives in Wednesday’s train attack by
religious zealots in India. We are, at the same time,
deeply concerned about the systematic killings in Ahmedabad
and other cities in the state of Gujarat in India, which
are quite clearly reprisals for the brutal attack on
the Sabarmati Express at Godhra, which has left 58 people
dead. We regret the fact that the total number of deaths
related to this incident has already reached 158.
In the multi-cultural and multi-religious society of
the world’s largest democracy, known for its espousal
of the principle of secularism, there should be no room
for extremist religious elements reverting to violence
to tarnish the image of India and destroy the very foundation
of the Indian State. India has become a symbol of democracy
and religious tolerance.
The South African Government has noted that Indian
military and para-military forces have reportedly managed
to contain the violence. We call for calm and for extremist
elements not to be allowed to exploit the situation.
The South African Government and people are confident
the government of India will take the necessary measures
to deal with the extremist elements, and welcome the
efforts by the Indian military and para-military forces
in containing the violence.
For further information contact Ronnie Mamoepa on 082
990 4853
Issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001
1st March 2002
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