Press Briefings

Response by EAM to questions on the attack in the Gurudwara in Vienna

25/05/2009

In response to questions on the attack in the Gurudwara in Vienna, the External Affair Minister said:

“Since it was first reported, my Ministry has been carefully monitoring developments following the attack in the Gurudwara yesterday afternoon (local time) in Vienna. Our Cd’A ad interim in Vienna has been in regular contact with the Ministry.

At the very outset, I would like to convey my deep condolences at the unfortunate passing away of Sant Rama Nand who had been seriously injured in the attack and succumbed to injuries around midnight local time. Our Mission in Vienna will make necessary arrangements to enable his body to be brought back home.

The attack in the Gurudwara in Vienna is a matter of deep concern and regret, especially since many people have been injured and Sant Rama Nand has lost his life. There is no place for violence in a secular society like India’s and certainly no excuse whatsoever for the violation of the sacred premises of a Gurudwara for narrow sectarian or other purposes.

Our Embassy in Vienna is in close contact with the Austrian Foreign Office, the Viennese police and the Austrian authorities. We are receiving the cooperation of the Austrian authorities and are determined to ensure that the perpetrators of this completely mindless and wanton attack are brought to justice.

My Ministry is continuing to monitor developments and necessary follow up action will be taken.”

New Delhi
May 25, 2009