The United Nations, President of the United States, President of France, PM of Britain, PM of Australia, Pope Benedict XVI, leaders of Asian and Middle-Eastern countries, and many others condemned the Mumbai attacks of 26/11. Here is a representative compilation of reactions from major world leaders.
The Mumbai terrorist attacks of November 2008, shook India but also unnerved the entire world in its audacity and the way it was executed. The multiple terrorist attacks that occurred on November 26–29, 2008, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India led to the death of at least 174 people, including 20 security force personnel and 26 foreign nationals were killed. More than 300 people were injured. Nine of the 10 terrorists were killed, and one Ajmal Kasab was arrested.
The attacks were carried out by 10 terrorists belonging to the Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistan-based Islamic terrorist organization. Armed with automatic weapons and hand grenades, the terrorists targeted civilians at numerous sites in the southern part of Mumbai, including the Chhatrapati Shivaji railway station, the popular Leopold Café, two hospitals, and a theatre. While most of the attacks ended within a few hours after they began at around 9:30 PM on November 26, the terror continued to unfold at three locations where hostages were taken—the Nariman House, where a Jewish outreach centre was located, and the luxury hotels Oberoi Trident and Taj Mahal Palace & Tower. The aim of the terrorists was to make the Mumbai terror attack an example to the world and show the might of the Pakistan based Islamic Terror organisations.
The then Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said the attacks were intended to create a sense of panic. “The well-planned and very orchestrated attacks, probably with external linkages, were intended to create a sense of panic by choosing high-profile targets and indiscriminately killing innocent foreigners,” Singh said in a televised address to the nation. “It is evident that the group which carried out these attacks, based outside the country, had come with single-minded determination to create havoc in the financial capital of the country.” The PM had promised “the strongest possible measures” to stop a repeat of such acts. “We will take up strongly with our neighbors that the use of their territory for launching attacks on us will not be tolerated and that there would be a cost if suitable measures are not taken by them.”
Joining India in condemning the attack, several world leaders decried the terrorist attacks in Mumbai.
The United Nations
A spokesperson for U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said: “The secretary-general condemns the rash of shootings and blasts in Mumbai today, which killed and wounded a large number of people. Such violence is totally unacceptable. The secretary-general reiterates his conviction that no cause or grievance can justify indiscriminate attacks against civilians. He calls for the perpetrators to be brought to justice swiftly”, it said.
Expressing solidarity with the families of the victime, the Secretary-general’s office said, ‘The Secretary-General sends his deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and the wounded and expresses his solidarity with the people and government of India’, said the statement.
Response from United States
A spokesman for U.S. President George W. Bush said: “President Bush offers his condolences to the Indian people and the families of the innocent civilians killed and injured in the attacks in Mumbai, India. The United States condemns this terrorist attack and we will continue to stand with the people of India in this time of tragedy.”
During the 26/11 attacks, Barack Obama had won the 2008 elections and was the President-elect. His chief national security transition spokeswoman Brooke Anderson said: “President-elect Obama strongly condemns today’s terrorist attacks in Mumbai, and his thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and the people of India. These coordinated attacks on innocent civilians demonstrate the grave and urgent threat of terrorism. The United States must continue to strengthen our partnerships with India and nations around the world to root out and destroy terrorist networks. We stand with the people of India, whose democracy will prove far more resilient than the hateful ideology that led to these attacks.”
Reactions from Europe
Head of the Commonwealth of Nations Queen Elizabeth II issued a statement that read: “I am shocked and deeply saddened by the attacks that occurred in Mumbai. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who died and with those who have been injured”
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: “These outrageous attacks in Mumbai will be met with a vigorous response. I have sent a message to Prime Minister Singh that the UK stands solidly with his government as they respond, and to offer all necessary help.”
In a letter to Cardinal Oswald Gracias, the Archbishop of Mumbai, Pope Benedict XVI says he is “deeply concerned” about the attacks. As per CNN, the pope asked the archbishop “kindly to convey his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in these brutal attacks, and to assure the public authorities, citizens and all those affected of his spiritual closeness. His Holiness urgently appeals for an end to all acts of terrorism, which gravely offend the human family and severely destabilize the peace and solidarity needed to build a civilization worthy of mankind’s noble vocation to love God and neighbor.
NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer has said: “I condemn in the strongest possible terms the mindless and indiscriminate terrorist attacks in Mumbai. Attacking innocent people, tourists and patients in hospitals is despicable and cowardly. On behalf of the Alliance, I am relaying the sincerest words of solidarity and sympathy to the Indian authorities, to Indian people and especially families of the victims. NATO, as part of the international community, is determined to spare no effort to fight the scourge of terrorism which should have no place in the 21st century.”
In a statement European Union Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana said: “I condemn in the strongest possible terms the heinous terrorist attacks throughout the city of Mumbai. I convey my most sincere condolences to the families of the victims and my sympathy to the Indian authorities. To those who were injured, I wish a speedy recovery. These acts show once again the need for the international community to stand united against terrorism and fight it with determination.”
German Chancellor Angela Merkel sent a letter to the Indian prime minister. The chancellor’s office also telephoned the Indian prime minister to pass on the Merkel’s sympathies and to offer Germany’s help. She wrote: “I was appalled to hear the shocking news about the terror attacks on your country. As well as the sad fate of the many dead I’m particularly moved by the terrible situation of those who’ve been taken hostage. The Federal Republic strongly condemns these criminal acts. I would like to express my deepest sympathy to you and the people of your country. In this difficult hour our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones. I wish the injured from the bottom of my heart a quick recovery.”
In a written statement, French President Nicolas Sarkozy said: “I strongly condemn the indiscriminate violence that hit your country through this series of ugly and odious terrorist acts. In this sad moment, I wish to give my sincerest condolences to the families of the innocent victims of these reprehensible attacks and express my sympathy and my wish to the injured for rapid recovery.”
Reactions from Asian Countries
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa said: “My government and I hasten to condemn most vehemently the brutal acts of terrorism that killed more than 100 persons and injured many more in the attacks carried out in the Indian city of Mumbai last night. Our thoughts to go out to the families of those killed and injured and in these acts of terror; we express our deepest sympathies to the families of the deceased and wish a speedy recovery to those injured and the safe and early release of hostages. The attacks on leading hotels, hospitals and public transport in Mumbai, the business and financial capital of India, show that the terrorists are targeting an important sector of the Indian economy, with a view (to) destabilizing democracy in India.
“These unfortunate attacks bring into focus the urgent need for concerted action by all countries to eradicate the menace of terrorism, wherever it is, and whoever the leaders and manipulators of such violence may be. As a country that has suffered the most brutal terrorism for the past three decades, and is currently engaged in determined action to eradicate it from our midst, Sri Lanka stands with the government and people of India at this time of tragedy and remain firm in our commitment to jointly combat and eradicate terrorism in all its forms from our countries, as well as from the South Asian region.”
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said: “The monstrous crimes of terrorists in Mumbai arouse our wrath, indignation and unconditional condemnation. The inhuman terrorist attacks on hospitals, hotels and other public places aimed at killing peaceful civilians, taking and murdering hostages are crimes directed against the very basis of civilized society. Those guilty of them should be severely punished. We support resolute actions of the Indian government to cut short terrorist actions. I would like to pass my deepest condolences to relatives and friends of those killed and wish the swiftest possible recovery to those injured.”
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao sent a message of condolences Thursday to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He said the Chinese government “strongly condemned” the attacks and that China is “firmly opposed to terrorism of any form.” The Xinhua news agency reported, “On behalf of the Chinese government and himself, Wen expressed deep grief for the victims of the attacks and conveyed sincere condolences to the relatives of the victims and those wounded in the violence.”
Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura said: “The Japanese government disapproves of any act of terrorism, and we emphasize that there is no justification for any act of terrorism. We wish that the people of India will quickly be able to overcome such suffering. Japan and India will continue to work closely to fight against terrorism.”
The Singaporean government said: “Singapore strongly condemns the attacks. We would like to convey our deepest condolences to the victims, their families, the government of India and its people. The Mumbai attacks underscore the common terrorist threat that we continue to face today. Singapore stands firmly behind the Indian government in its fight against terrorism.”
Malaysian authorities investigated reports related to Malaysian-issued credit cards held by the 26/11 terrorists. Malaysia said it will also coordinate with Interpol over reports that some of the Mumbai attackers passed themselves off as Malaysian citizens.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai said: “The government and people of Afghanistan stand by India in the aftermath of this horrific and inhuman act of terror. Nothing is more heinous and deplorable than taking the lives of innocent people in such a cowardly attack on public places. … Terrorism is a threat to us all, affecting India, Afghanistan and the region. Responding to this threat requires nothing less than a joint strategy to defeat this menace.”
Not to be left aloof, the then Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani ‘strongly condemned’ the attacks. While Pak President Zardari stressed the need for strict measures to eradicate terrorism and extremism from the region, Gilani said that there was a need for concerted efforts to make the region a peaceful place to live.
Reactions from other Countries of the World
Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said: “I condemn the terror attack that is still ongoing in Mumbai it is another painful testimony that terrorism is the main challenge that Israel and the International community are dealing with.” Israel also offered a team of about 40 special-operations forces and assistance in investigations.
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, in a statement on his behalf, said: “We are deeply concerned by these developments, deeply concerned by the potential impact on Indian citizens and other citizens, and we will have further to say about this during the course of the day.”
Canadian Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon said: “Canada strongly condemns the savage terrorist attacks in Mumbai, which have left hundreds of innocent civilians injured or killed. These cowardly attacks are truly appalling. On behalf of all Canadians, I extend my condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives, and I wish a speedy recovery to the injured. … Canada stands firmly united with the government of India in condemning these despicable acts of violence. Canada and India share a commitment to freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Among our mutual priorities is close cooperation to promote international security and to fight terrorism.”
In a statement, the South African government said: “The South African government extends its condolences to the government and people of India following a spate of attacks on a number of hotels, hospital and a restaurant in Mumbai on Wednesday, 26 November, which left a number of people dead and wounded while others have been taken hostage.”
A spokesperson for the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) expressed regret over the deaths of innocent people due to the attacks; the spokesperson conveyed heartfelt condolences to the Indian Government and the families of the victims and wished for the speedy recovery of the wounded. The spokesperson stressed that such violent acts run counter to human values and they cannot be justified.
Many international airlines temporarily discontinued operations to Mumbai amid fears for passenger safety. Though all countries condemned the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai, only few major reactions have been highlighted.
(Source and References: Embassy statements, News reports on CNN, BBC, AP, Reuters, Major newspapers and Wikipedia)
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Saisha Kamla Dudha