MEDIA RELEASE
1 December 2008

New Zealand’s Indian community will be seen dawning white clothes on Thursday 4 December to express solidarity with the victims of the recent terror attacks in Mumbai.

Over 200 people, including 22 foreigners, lost their lives during the gunfire and grenade attacks that lasted over 60 hours in multiple locations in India’s financial capital - Mumbai.

In an appeal to New Zealand’s 120,000-strong Indian community and New Zealanders in general, Auckland-based Global Indian magazine is requesting people to wear white.

“The attack is not just on Mumbai or India; it is a global problem. This can happen in any major city in the world. Terror has no face or religion,” says Vaib Gangan, the managing editor of the magazine.

“The only way to defeat such destructive elements is by showing our grit and unity. We are in it together. We can do this by simply wearing white clothes on Thursday.”

“Everyone can participate because wearing white is easy to do, whether you are at work or at home. And white symbolises peace.”

“This is a tribute to all security officers, hotel staff and other courageous people who lost their lives in saving others.”

Over 20 uniformed officers laid down their lives in fighting the terrorists and saving the lives of over 400 hostages including foreign nationals, in an attack described as India’s 9/11.

Similar vigils and prayer meetings are being held in India and in major countries around the world, and there are over 100 groups on Facebook dedicated to messages of condolences and call for action.

ENDS

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