We would like to express our deepest sorrow and sympathy for the families and friends who lost loved ones in the Sept 11 tragedy in the US.

The suffering that it has caused is intense and difficult for one to watch from afar, let alone live through for the days and years to come. No one should have to live through a pain so great as this.

Nonetheless, we cannot accept war as an answer to this tragedy. We oppose and reject any form of retaliatory attacks or the use of violence by the government of the US in the name of justice and pride.

We are taken aback that even in the absence of concrete proof, war has been declared on Afghanistan. We are of the firm belief that any retaliatory action or law that persecutes without proof, whether in this country or outside of this country, is unjust and must not be condoned.

We mourn the thousands that died in the rubbles, and we mourn the thousands that die each day around the world from sheer poverty, hunger and the lack of medicine and clean water.

Please do not let us now have to mourn for the lives that will be lost as a result of this call to war, a war that will result in bloodshed, more lost lives and more grief.

This war must not continue. Showering Afghanistan with bullets is a senseless act. The bigger thing to do would be to shower the poverty-stricken nation with food and medicine. That would be the more courageous act.

We ask that the Government of the United States call off this war because war is not the solution.

Editor's note

: The writer gave this speech on behalf of NGOs at the peace rally at KLCC last Saturday.