23RD May 2013, London:
Hindu Council UK (HCUK) joins with people across the country in condemning the atrocity that took place on the streets of Woolwich on Wednesday 22nd May 2013. HCUK also calls for calm and peace on the streets of our Cities and Towns and for people to remember the murdered victim and to offer thoughts and prayers to his family at this sad time.
The terrible events in Woolwich were indeed truly dark and cruel. We must not let the evil deeds of two corrupted and vile men be the standard by which we measure the character of a multitude of people and the spirit of the Muslim faith. The armed forces protect us, and today each of us can send a loud message of support, solidarity and gratitude to all our service personnel serving in our towns and cities at home and overseas.
Anil Bhanot OBE, our Hindu Religious Advisor to the Ministry of Defence (MOD), said ” we commend the selfless work and sacrifice our young soldiers give to our country for the sake of freedoms that we simply take granted for; Community Leaders must continue to work towards separating ‘political ideologies’ from the faith that we know ultimately unites us all”.
Umesh C Sharma, Chairman of Hindu Council UK added, “We request all Hindu Temples to pray for our young soldier who was brutally murdered in London on Wednesday. The Hindu Community universally condemns this sickening act because in the UK we are fortunate that we all value our diversity, our common humanity and adherence to universal values and we will all reject attempts to divide us by a small minority. Hindu Council UK will work with our interfaith friends across all communities to ensure we remain united, peaceful and calm and continue to work to bring people of all faiths and those of none together for the common good.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and his family.
Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti
On behalf of Trustees, Directors and Executive Committee,
Hindu Council UK (HCUK)
Email: admin@hinducounciluk.org
Website: www.hinducounciluk.org
photo courtesy: bbc.co.uk