This was passed along to me from
SAALT... Here's the National Coalition of South Asian Organizations' (NCSO) official
statement on last week's devastating attacks in Mumbai:
Statement from South Asian Organizations on the Mumbai Attacks
December 1, 2008 - Members of the National Coalition of South Asian Organizations (NCSO) offer our deepest condolences to those who have lost family and friends in the recent acts of violence in Mumbai, India that left an estimated 180 individuals dead and communities around the world in shock and grief.
We encourage individuals of all faiths and nationalities to unite in addressing the impact of incidents such as the tragedy in Mumbai and those occurring in other parts of the world with compassion and a commitment to non-violence, tolerance, and respect.
Our message is informed by the experiences of communities in the United States and abroad who have endured the impact of backlash, intolerance and suspension of civil liberties in the wake of September 11th. In these challenging times, it is important to remember that the values of democracy, openness, dialogue, and respect of diversity can pave the way to peace and stability.
For additional information or assistance, please contact members of the NCSO; the Indian Embassy; and the South Asian Journalists Association.
The National Coalition of South Asian Organizations (NCSO) is a network of 35 community-based organizations in 12 regions around the country that provide services to, work with, convene, organize, and advocate for South Asians in the United States. For more information, please contact South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT), the coordinator of the NCSO at (301) 270.1855 or saalt@saalt.org.
And here's the statement from Rep. Mike Honda, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, condemning the attacks:
CAPAC Statement Condemning Mumbai Terrorist Attacks
Washington, DC - Today, Rep. Mike Honda (D-CA), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), issued the following statement condemning the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India:
"On behalf of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I send my deepest condolences to all the victims of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, and to their families. Unidentified victims include United States citizens, leaving many in the Indian American community unsure about whether loved ones are safe. Having experienced the tragedies on September 11, 2001, CAPAC members stand in solidarity with you against these horrendous terrorist acts driven by hate and fanaticism. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
"We look forward to continuing our work with organizations like USINPAC and the Indian American community to advance cooperation between the United States and India, and to strengthen this important partnership in our counter-terrorism efforts."
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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Since 1994, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life. For more information on CAPAC, please call (202) 225-2631 or visit http://www.honda.house.gov/capac.
Meanwhile, in the aftermath of the attacks, India has demanded that Pakistan hand over suspected terrorists believed living in the country—a list of about 20 names:
India demands Pakistan hand over terror suspects.
