THE Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) yesterday took the opportunity to remember the many victims who were brutally assaulted on January 12, 1998. According to a statement from the committee, this year marks fourteen years since those despicable incidents occurred in the capital city, especially at our car parks (including the Stabroek Market area) and busy commercial centres, as part of a concerted effort to inflict violence and mayhem following the 1997 General and Regional Elections.
The IAC has said it empathises with those hapless and unsuspecting Guyanese who were singled out, beaten and robbed by marauding gangs of thugs, who unleashed their venom and hatred at the behest of political leaders who were reluctant to accept the democratic will of the Guyanese people.
This was done in an atmosphere of incendiary political rhetoric being echoed by certain opposition political leaders calling for “slow fire” and “mo fire”.
The unrest that followed the free and fair elections of 1997 not only resulted in innocent Indo-Guyanese being preyed upon, but instilled fear into the wider populace, which also had severe economic and social consequences.
The IAC said that it recognises Government’s prudence in steering Guyana towards stability and prosperity from those dark days that once threatened the civility and unity of the nation.
Additionally, the committee also recognised the efforts of the security forces who worked diligently to restore order, and who have ensured that such inhumane acts do not recur or spread to other parts of the country.
The investigation into the violence on January 12, 1998 was pellucid in its findings. However, the IAC remains disturbed that many of the perpetrators and their handlers have not been brought to justice. The IAC urges all who may have influence on others to discourage the repetition of same or similar acts.
The IAC urges all Guyanese to work assiduously to maintain the peace, harmony and national unity that prevail, so that Guyana will remain stable and prosperous. The IAC pledges to the victims of the January 12, 1998 atrocities that it will continue to be ever vigilant as it contributes to a more united and tolerant society.