Concerned citizens of India and Pakistan have jointly and unequivocally condemned the terrorist attack in Gurdaspur, Punjab on July 27, 2015, and expressed heartfelt condolences and solidarity with the families of four police personal and three civilians killed.
Terming the attack as “dastardly”, the citizens in a joint statement released to the media takes note of the allegations that the terrorists crossed from the border with Pakistan and the Pakistan government’s condemnation of the attack and Pakistan’s denunciation of all forms of terrorism.
“We strongly urge that it is high time for India and Pakistan to jointly address the issue of terrorism that is causing incalculable damage to both countries and the entire Sub-Continent,” says the statement.
“It is clear that all such attacks are perpetrated by some vested interests who are determined to derail the spirit of dialogue and peaceful resolution of outstanding issues. At this juncture, both sides should maintain equanimity of mind and refuse to be led into the trap laid by terror outfits. Both countries should continue with the proposed meetings of the NSAs as decided at Ufa and initiate sustained processes for bilateral dialogues to resolve all outstanding issues, lay foundations for a joint mechanism to fight terrorism and promote optimal regional cooperation.”
The citizens also demand that India, Pakistan and all other countries of South Asia should immediately set up a joint mechanism to address terrorism as per the SAARC Regional Convention on Suppression of Terrorism signed by all SAARC countries on November 4, 1987.
“All countries of the region should also ensure that all organisations and individuals involved in any form of terrorism are identified, proscribed and prosecuted with utmost urgency and vigour to root out the menace from the region.”
Indians and Pakistans also demand “a thorough and time-bound investigation into the present terror attack and urge all countries and investigation bodies to cooperate fully in unraveling the conspiracy and exposing all groups and actors involved in perpetrating the current terror attack to ensure there are no repeats in future.”
The statement is signed by eminent peace activists on both sides of the border, on behalf of fellow peace lovers. Signatories include Indian citizens Mahesh Bhat and Jatin Desai in Mumbai, Kodanda Ramiah in Banguluru, Satya Paul in Delhi and Mazher Hussain in Hyderabad. Pakistani signatories include Karamat Ali, Sheema Kermani, and B.M. Kutty in Karachi, and Farooq Tariq in Lahore.
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