Dharmavidya's response to the Khairlanji killings.
Dear Friends
As members of the international Buddhist community and simply as human beings, we are deeply distressed at the events at Khairlanje not only because the specific case is barbaric but also because it is symptomatic of a long standing and profound social problem that afflicts many parts of India and results in huge numbers of people living in fear and under oppressive conditions. It is most important that there is a response from the Indian government, the courts and all influential figures. It is equally important that there is a response from the international community. This response, while it should do justice to the outrage felt by us all at these tragic events should be such as to improve and not worsen the situation. Savage vengance is something that some may dearly wish for but it is not the best way forward. What we want is a response that will lessen inter-communal feuding and emancipate the down-trodden, not one that will inflame hatred and lead to further tragedies. Let us use the opportunity of these terrible happenings to consider deeply what action may be most efficacious. This suggests the need for a major public enquiry. This case is more than can be dealt with by local courts even if they were in a position to impose justice. The change that is required is much more sweeping than can be achived by measures designed to right the wrong to one family. Even the darkest cloud has some silver lining and we should be grateful that there may here be an opportunity to shine light upon one of the darkest corners of society and clean out a festering and septic wound from the flesh of society. Castism is a disgrace just as much as racism and other forms of oppressive discrimination. Let us call for the highest level of public enquiry, if possible with international or United Nations oversight, so that lessons may be learnt and an age old wrong be done away with.
In respect and concern
Dharmavidya
Head of the Order of Amida Buddha
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