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US condemns Sunday's nightmare

The United States has 'strongly condemned' what it called the 'murder' of 23 Kashmiri Pandits in Wandhama on Sunday and called upon militant organisations in Jammu and Kashmir to cease all acts of terrorism.

"We extend our condolences to all the persons and families affected by these acts of violence," state department spokesman James P Rubin said.

On Tuesday night, Congressman Sherrod Brown had condemned the act and urged the central and state governments to protect the community.

''This act of senseless and targeted violence is repugnant to all who care about India and its future,'' Brown said, ''Those Pandits who remain in Kashmir deserve the unambiguous protection and support of the state and Central governments.''

He urged officials at both levels to undertake a comprehensive programme which would guarantee the community's 'security, dignity and ways of life in the valley'.

The Congressman hoped the incident would prompt India to begin 'adequately' addressing the 'intolerable situation' which exists in the state.

The Indo-American Kashmir Forum, an organisation of US-based Pandits, called for the immediate dismissal of the state government as it had failed in its basic duty.

Further, the IAKF urged the central government to seek the Israeli government's assistance in protecting minorities. Israel, it said, had succeeded in protecting the Jewish enclaves from its large Muslim population.

UNI

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