Condemnations galore over attack at ISCKON temple

Imphal, Aug 18: Large numbers of organisations, including militant ones of the state, students bodies and political parties, have condemned the grenade attack at the ISKCON temple complex on Aug 16 evening.

Four persons, including two children, were killed and about 50 persons injured in the grenade attack during a Ras Leela performance during the Janmashtami celebrations.

Manipur Governor Dr S S Sidhu termed the attack 'as an act of terrorism and cowardice', and said the bomb blast in a place of worship on the congregation of devotees is a blot on the rich cultural heritage of Manipuri society which is characterised by its pluralistic nature and age-old tradition of peaceful coexistence.

He appealed to the people of Manipur to discard violence of any form and work towards achieving peace and harmony in the state Officials said the state Cabinet held a meeting last evening. A statement issued by the Information of Public Relations today said the Cabinet seriously discussed the dastardly act of attack on the religious gathering at Rasleela on Janmashtami day. The Cabinet condemned the act of terrorism on such an auspicious occasion on religious gathering. The state government conveyed its condolences to the family members of the deceased persons and wished speedy recovery to the injured persons also.

The state government will provide ex gratia to the injured and the next of kins of the deceased.

The Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee, the Bharatiya Janata Party, Manipur People's Party, Janata Dal, United Committee Manipur, All Manipur United Clubs Organisations, CPI(M) Manipur state secretariat , Nationalist Congress Party, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Chanura Marup (women's wing) of the Manipur Peoples Party, the Communist Party of India, Centre for Organisation Research and Education, Kuki Movement for Human Rights , Ethno Heritage Council , United People's Front, Imphal unit ,Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh , Dharma Rakshak Samiti, Manipur, Foundation for University of Sanamahi Culture, Lainingthou Sanamahi Thougal Kanglup, Shree Shree Govindajee Temple Board, Manipur Sahitya Parishad and a host of other organisations have condemned the attack.

ISKCON's North America-based Communication Minister, Anuttama Dasa said ''we are sickened and greatly saddened by this horrible, vicious act.'' The MLAs of Manipur and militant organizations like People's Liberation Army (PLA), United National Liberation Front (UNLF), People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) and other organisations have also condemned the attack.

UNI