Congressional Statements

Expressing condolence following terrorist attack in Srinagar

Letter from Congressmen Gary L. Ackerman and Benjamin A. Gilman to Prime Minister of India
October 2, 2001

Dear Mr. Prime Minister:

We are writing to express our sincere gratitude for the strong solidarity and support that the government and the people of India have shown for the United States in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States. While we mourn the devastating losses to our own citizens, we mourn as well for the many India citizens resident in or visiting the United States who were lost in the atrocities of that day.

We also wish to take this opportunity to express our condolences at the recent loss of life in the atrocious attack on the Raj Gargh in Srinagar on October 1.

In the immediate aftermath of the tragedies in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania, your government expressed to President Bush its unreserved support for the international anti-terrorism coalition that the U.S. was assembling. India's solid record of democracy, the promotion of stability and past cooperation on counter-terrorism gives us confidence that India will long continue to be a steadfast and reliable partner in the fight against terrorism. We hope that our country can also be of greater assistance in supporting India in its ongoing battle against the forces of terror.

We are well aware that India has been a victim of terrorism for many years, as the events of October 1 remind us, tragically, once again. Well before these recent events, the United States and India worked as partners on counter-terrorism, taking steps such as the formation of a Joint Working Group on Terrorism. We have stood and will stand shoulder to shoulder in protecting civilization from the scourge of terrorism.

As our country recovers from the death and destruction sown by the forces of fanaticism and as we seek to bring about a safer world, the American people will remember who stood by us in this struggle. The fundamental decency shown by India during this crisis is not surprising, given your country's long-standing commitment to the values of democracy, pluralism and international stability. We believe that our shared commitment to these core values will ensure that the friendship and partnership between India and the United States will endure.

Sincerely,

Gary L. Ackerman
Ranking Democrat
Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia

Benjamin A. Gilman
Chairman
Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia