THE wanton mayhem caused by eight bomb explosions in different cities of Sri Lanka, including the capital Colombo, needs to be condemned in the most stringent manner humanly possible.

At least 290 people were killed in the massacre which targeted churches on Easter, and posh hotels which is mind numbing.

As we move from one brutality to another, from the killing of 51 Muslims in Christchurch, to Hazarganji, to Ormara, to Colombo; from the longer simmering genocide in Afganistan, Iraq, Yemen, Syria, Burma, Palestine, Kashmir, from the individual targeting of Khashoggi and journalists and activists who dare to dissent, we no longer weep in anger and sorrow. Even our initial shock and disbelief turns quickly to a cool distancing and complacency.

This is double tragedy: one of humans being killed in the name of religion, race, ethnicity, colour, or just for having a different opinion, and the other, the destruction of human kindness and concern for the other’s pain.

The deathly virus of hatred leads to development of immunity against the feelings of others.

A little thought on what has been happening will identify a quadrilateral of evil, connecting the East and West, driven by personal ambition, hegemonic designs and desire for control.

The so-called world leaders who sit at the helm of these powers are big in ego and low in compassion and wisdom. By the time they leave, the world would be a sadder, crueler, less tolerant and unsafe place.

Some of us can only cry out to God and pray for all those who have suffered.

Nikhat Sattar
Islamabad

(2)

THE eight deadly bomb attacks on Sri Lanka show how grave, lethal and cunningly effective are terrorists in taking the lives of innocent people. It is high time that the United Nations chalk out an effective strategy to curb terrorism through effective means.

Countries should individually ensure strict counter-terror procedures for the safety of citizens. The monster of terrorism must be chained immediately. Commiserations to the bereaved family.

Iftikhar Mirza
Islamabad

(3)

THE eight bomb attacks in Sri Lanka deserve the condemnation of all people. The terrorists are not just killing Muslims, Christians or Hindus; rather they are massacring humanity.

Terrorism is not just the problem of any one country, it ails all mankind. The world needs to unite on one platform to wipe out this menace once and for all.

Iqra Lal Baksh, Kech
Balochistan

Published in Dawn, April 23rd, 2019