Indo-Pak human chain, candlelight vigil to protest Mumbai blasts

Image: Hundreds of citizens poured onto the streets in Mumbai and New Delhi
Photographs: Sahil Salivi/Rediff.com

In a gesture of bonhomie, a group of Indians and Pakistanis joined hands to protest against the serial bomb blasts in Mumbai by organising a human chain at Rajghat, Mahatma Gandhi's memorial on Saturday evening.

With Rajghat, symbolic of non-violence, peace and unity forming the backdrop, the protestors highlighted the significance of having closer ties between the two countries in order to sustain the ongoing peace talks.

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Mumbai marches for its 13/7 victims

Image: A student participates in a protest march in Mumbai on Saturday
Photographs: Sahil Salvi/Rediff.com

The protest at Rajghat was organised by National Alliance for People's Movement and attended by members of Karachi-based cultural group Tehrik-e-Niswan among others.

On Saturday, Mumbaikars also took to the streets and organised a human chain at Zaveri Bazaar and Opera House and Girgaum. Zaveri Bazaar and Opera House were two of the two places hit by bomb blasts on Wednesday.

'Terrorists are biggest cowards'

Image: Young Mumbaikars form a human chain near Opera House
Photographs: Sahil Salvi/Rediff.com

Calling for a united effort to condemn terrorism, member of NAMP and one of the organisers Faisal Khan said, "Those aiming to spread terror and violence are the biggest cowards as they plant bombs and attack secretly. They do it to disturb brotherhood and foment tensions between Hindus and Muslims."

Equally disturbed by the attack that took place two days ago, members of the Pakistani group were in the capital to perform plays promoting Indo-Pak friendship.

'Indo-Pak are united in fight against terror'

Image: An aged Mumbaikar participates in a candlelight vigil
Photographs: Sahil Salivi/Rediff.com

Expressing solidarity with the victims of the blasts, they described the serial bombings as an attack on humanity to derail public harmony and peace.

"We all know that people of both sides are suffering and we all are against any kind of terrorism. We are united, we are one and thus we are here to pay our sympathy towards victims," said Anwar Jafri, a member of the cultural group.

"We are glad to be a part of such peace-promoting efforts and offer our full support and determination in a fight against terrorism," he added.

Highlighting a mutual understanding between India and Pakistan on issues related to terrorism, leader of Tehrik-e-Niswan Seema Kirmani said, "Both countries are supportive of a joint effort to eliminate terrorism and this human chain is an effort to promote that joint cooperation towards improving relations."

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