Indian Australians condemn Pulwama terrorist attack with one voice

The Pulwama terrorist attack on the Indian border security forces, which left 40 dead, is an attack on humanity and has been condemned by all nations Worldwide. I can’t place myself in the shoes of the fathers and mothers of those brave solders and think for a second what may be going through their minds. I can only pray to GOD to give those parents, brothers and sisters and wives and children of those men who made the ultimate sacrifice, the strength to bear the terrible loss.

There have been many candle light vigils and prayer meetings held in Sydney and throughout Australia. I was at the candle light vigil and prayer meeting organized by The United Indian Associations (UIA) which was attended by many Indian Australians who gathered to condemn this heinous crime. Also present on the occasion was Consul Mr. S.K.Verma and NSW State Member for Parramatta Hon. Dr. Geoff Lee. Many speakers spoke to express their grief as well as anger.

The question is being asked what can the non-resident Indians, like us, do to help their motherland fight these terrorist organizations and their activities. Having come out of India and built our life and career in another country, like Australia, is there anything we can do to fight the scourge of terrorism, is the question which, I am sure, is bothering every Indian Australian.

My answer to them is “Yes” you can do something to help your motherland. I say this because most of the terror attacks including the recent one at Pulwama, was state sponsored and supported. We all know very well the countries which are breeding and sheltering terrorists and it is an open secret. Such countries which are havens for terrorists and which protect and provide asylum to them have to be isolated and sanctions have to be imposed until they stop terror related activities.

Here I draw a parallel with the way the countries of the World collaborated to get rid apartheid regime in South Africa and facilitated duly elected leader Nelson Mandela to take the leadership of the black majority South Africa. Sensible countries of the World decided to apply economic and commercial sanctions and cut all the sporting and cultural links with South Africa until it decided to abandon its apartheid policy.

I think the same model should be applied to countries which are breeding terrorists. Politicians and Community leaders, including Indian Community Leaders should apply pressure on the Australian Federal Government to name and shame those countries which are breeding and sheltering terrorists. Australia should join hands with other peace loving countries to apply economic and commercial sanctions and cut all the sporting and cultural links with such countries. Remember Australia refused to play cricket with South Africa until the apartheid regime ended. Similar measures are necessary to isolate countries which are breeding and sheltering terrorists.

I am afraid the Australian Federal Government does not seem to have the courage and conviction to take such measures. They seem to happily trade with such rouge nations and continue their sporting links while talking tough about terrorism and this is sheer hypocrisy. I also see double standards in condemning such atrocities. I remember when similar terrorist attack happened in France in November 2015, the NSW Government lit the sails of Opera house with the colours of French flag to express solidarity with France and its people.  How about showing similar solidarity with India and its people when terror hits India.

This is where Indian Community Leaders have a role to play. What is the use of inviting Politicians and honouring them in various functions organized at the community organizations if you cannot hold these politicians accountable to take action to isolate and punish the rogue nations which are breeding and sheltering terrorists. This is how, I believe, the non-resident Indians living here in Australia, can bring to bear pressure on Australian Government to isolate countries which are breeding and sheltering terrorists through sanctions and thus help India and other affected countries fight the scourge of terrorism.