Sarah Honours Mumbai Victims

3.49.40pm GMT Mon 1st Dec 2008

Local Liberal Democrat Brent East MP Sarah Teather joined constituents at the Swarminarayan Temple in Brent on Saturday for a prayer meeting for the victims of Mumbai terror attacks.

The massacre in the Indian city has shocked people across the whole world, but is particularly harrowing for the many people in Brent who have relatives living in the country.

Local Liberal Democrat MP for Brent East Sarah Teather said:

"Like many others, I was horrified to see the harrowing and violent attacks in Mumbai. So many people here in Brent have close links with India, and all our thoughts are with the families and friends of victims as they struggle to come to terms with their loss in such devastating circumstances.

"India is a large multicultural, multi-faith democracy that has risen from extreme poverty to be one of the greatest economic powers of the 21st century. The country is a remarkable success story, demonstrating the power of hope and determination against the odds.

"Whilst this open-minded and optimistic spirit may have made India a target for extremists, it is also exactly what will help the Indian people to stand together against the abhorrent and hateful message of terrorism.

"We must not be tempted to return violence with violence. It was Mahatma Ghandi who said that the trouble with 'an eye for an eye' is the whole world goes blind. I hope that our international leaders will remember his words as we join together to condemn those who would destroy the lives of ordinary people."