Ghastly Assault

ONE day after a string of what appears as terrorist attacks in three cities of the United States, the world is still trying to comprehend the enormity of the tragedy that has struck that country. Americans are in a state of shock, fear and chaos, and the people all over the world are in a state of utter disbelief that the world’s lone superpower could be subjected to such large-scale harm on its soil. Though the United States has seen its share of terrorist strikes at home and its missions and military installations abroad, the sheer scale of what is thought to be a coordinated assault on key symbols of its financial and defence establishments on its home turf is unprecedented in history. Pieces of information so far, though not all confirmed, point to four hijacked planes being used as missiles to destroy sensitive targets and kill people. Two planes rammed, one each, into the twin towers of the World Trade Centre in New York and the third into Pentagon in Washington DC, the capital. The fourth, according to one US congressman, apparently had Camp David, the presidential retreat in Maryland, as the target, but which crashed into a nearby field in Pennsylvania. The four planes had 266 people, all feared dead. Though US officials were wary of putting number on the toll in the World Trade Centre skyscrapers, which collapsed following the attacks reports say the number of those killed or injured would easily run into thousands. The fact that it was a little before the start of the working hours may have saved many from perishing in the disintegration of the 110-storey edifices, where an estimated 50,000 people work.

Even as rescue, relief and security measures are being taken on literally a war-footing in the US and its western allies are taking precautionary security steps around the world, the question of who are behind the attacks is being speculated on. US officials have been hesitant in immediately pointing fingers at any terrorist outfit for the assault, which is a prudent thing to do. More than speculation and emotional outbursts, what is needed now is a full-scale investigation, which President Bush promised the American people soon after he got words of the mayhem. Even as it reels under fear and anxiety and the enormous rescue and relief undertaking, the United States is expected to receive support not only from its allies but other friends as well in its pursue of the perpetrators of the crime in order to bring them to justice. All peace-loving nations on earth must condemn such dastardly acts of terrorism. Horrendous blow as it is for the Americans and their friends, it should also serve as an incident that prompts a renewed commitment from all the nations to stamp out terrorism. A sober analysis of the ugliness of terrorism and effective ways to combat it must emerge from the devastation and carnage of Tuesday.

Laudable Contribution

IN a function held in Mustang district to mark the 39th Red Cross Day, founder members of the Mustang District Red Cross Society as well as other personalities involved with the work of the organisation were, according to a news item, honoured with awards. Similarly, various events were also organised by Mustang District Junior Red Cross Circle to mark the Day. The fact that there is a Red Cross Society even in a remote district like Mustang is an eloquent testimony to the universal appeal and objectives of the Red Cross Movement. The Red Cross Movement, conceived in a cauldron of warfare and carnage by Henri Dune, its founder, has indeed come a long way since its establishment. So much so that wherever there is conflict, carnage and natural disaster, the Red Cross workers are invariably there to provide the much-needed succour, shelter, food and relief to the affected victims. That too without any sort of discrimination. In fact, it would not be wrong to say that many combatants from both the warring sides owe their lives to the Red Cross doctors and workers who, as per the Red Cross’s guiding light, scrupulously administer their healing touch to all war casualties without any discrimination. It could be for this very reason that its name, Red Cross, has become synonymous with humanitarian work, be it in war-ravaged nations like Macedonia, Bosnia and Ethiopia or in disaster-hit countries like the Sudan and the Philippines. And, more recently, in Nepal which not only straddles a 2,100 kilometre earthquake fault zone but is also a perennial victim of natural calamities like flash floods, droughts and landslips.

Each year natural disasters not only take the precious lives of many Nepalese, especially those residing in the remote districts like Mustang, but also destroy valuable amenities, infrastructure and properties all over the country. As far as giving relief to the victims is concerned, the authorities charged with delivering relief and succour to the victims, even with their limited resources and manpower at hand, have not been found wanting in discharging their duty and responsibility. Yet, in a natural disaster-prone nation like ours, it is always reassuring to have in our midst a relief-providing organisation like the Red Cross Society that has been ceaselessly delivering humanitarian services to all the victims through its various district-level Red Cross Societies and Junior Red Cross Circles.