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Candlelight vigil in Paris

Paris: In response to a call given by several Indian associations here, the Indian community held a candlelight vigil at the Trocadero on Thursday evening in memory of the victims of the Mumbai attacks.

Many French people also attended the meeting in a show of solidarity towards India in this painful hour.

About 300 people braved a cold drizzle in the dark to attend the meeting, which was fittingly held at the Human Rights Square of the Trocadero here. Perhaps because it was a cold and rainy week day, the turnout was not as high as expected, although there is a sizeable and growing Indian community in France.

Ambassador Ranjan Mathai made a short speech reminding the gathering of the multi-cultural and multi ethnic nature of Indian society where tolerance and solidarity would triumph over hatred and division.

Many people wept while others called for “firm action” against Pakistan. There was a feeling of helplessness, even guilt at being so far away from the country during its hour of need.

Martine Armand, a noted specialist on Indian cinema, had tears in her eyes as she said: “The terrorists are trying to destroy the fabric of a great civilisation. Nobody has the right to do that.”

She was also sharply critical of the French electronic media’s coverage of the attacks, which accused India of rushing into accusations against Pakistan without sufficient proof.

Didier Sandman, who runs a travel agency, said: “What a dreadful occasion for friends to meet. This has been such a massive blow. It will take a long while for the wounds to heal.”

In the invitation sent out to members of the Indian community, the organisers of the meeting said: “Leaving the hows and whys of such acts to be debated tomorrow, let us get together to express sorrow at the loss of life in Mumbai andstand for a world of peace, harmony and justice…. Indians, India-sympathisers and advocate of a better tomorrow regardless of the nationality are requested to assemble for a solidarity meeting for Mumbai and India.”

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