Sunday’s blasts in neighbouring Sri Lanka, which killed over 200 people and injured more than 400, are not just inhumane, but unacceptable for any reason. Those behind the massacre were merciless to have attacked people worshipping (in churches on Easter) and they deserve the toughest of punishment. With reports claiming that a hardline Islamic organisation is behind the near-simultaneous attacks, be it communal or religious fundamentalist elements, they should be identified and strong action should be taken against them. If, as some other reports suggest, there is a Tamil Nadu link to the terror attack, it should be a cause for concern for Indian authorities.
Tamils, too, have been largely affected by the blasts in Sri Lanka and justice should be expeditiously rendered to Tamils, other communities and foreigners affected by the blasts in the island nation. The need of the hour is firm and fair steps from the Lankan government over the blasts that are tantamount to allegedly intimidating the Tamils more and is aimed at creating ‘permanent fear’ in the minds of the people. The blasts were not an act of bravery. Indeed, they were an outcome of cowardice, and were barbaric in nature.
The blasts that struck three churches and luxury hotels frequented by foreigners in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, shattered a decade of peace in the country after the end of the civil war with the LTTE. For its part, the Government of India should take steps to bring Indians including the Tamil people, home as they were now stranded in the areas of Sri Lanka rocked by explosions.