(Image source from: www.aljazeera.com)

The Hindu Youth for Unity, Virtues, and Action on Friday organized a candlelight vigil in Ohio in respect to the killed central Reserve Police Force personnel in a deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district.

The attack that shook the entire world was secretly planned by the Pakistan-based terrorist group, Jaish-e-Mohammed.

“While many around the world were celebrating the day of love, the families of the dead were mourning their loss,” Praneeth Madhu, president of Hindu YUVA, said. “It was super unfortunate this attack happened on Valentine’s Day, making it even more emotional for people across India.”

In view of the diversity on campus, Hindu YUVA organized the vigil on behalf of the thousands of Indian international students, scholars, faculty and Indian-American students. The rite was offered to provide them with an opportunity to address their grief, express their condolences to the families of the fallen and to condemn acts of terrorism, Madhu said.

The vigil was attended by various Indian-based organizations including the Federation of Indian Association, a group established in 1983 to unite various member organizations of Asian-Indian origin in Central Ohio.

“The event was put up on very short notice because we wanted it to be as soon as possible so people had a venue to express their feelings and give their condolences because any terrorist attack is a very vulnerable time for people,” Madhu said.

The Muslim Student Association, Ohio State Hillel and other on-campus student organizations also sent out their condolences and support to the Indian community.

“Terrorism is not something only one group can face alone,” Madhu said. “We know there are many communities who are affected by such acts of inhumane brutality.”

-Sowmya Sangam