ALL around the world peace-loving people have been appalled and have raised their voices against the most heinous crime committed by the terrorist Islamic group Boko Haram by kidnapping more than 300 schoolgirls in Nigeria. A rally was organized by NEVR (Networking to Eliminate Violence in Relationships) and Global Hindu Foundation to add their collective voice to the international community’s on May 12 at the campus of Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Surrey.

Dr. Balbir K. Gurm, Chair of NEVR, said: “We, Canadians, believe in creating a society where violence in relationships is not tolerated or accepted. When we came to know about the tragedy in Nigeria that Boko Haram is using religion to justify atrocities against women, we needed to let our community know that we don’t accept this as a norm in our society.”

Gary Thandi, Executive Director, Genesis, gave the details of abduction. “Terrorists have passion for destruction and seek endorsement from religion for their violent deeds. They are enemies of humanity,” he said.

Delta Police Chief Jim Cessford and Inspector Darshan Charna expressed their concerns about the violence against women in the community. Cessford felt that we have to educate people and should not tolerate any violence based upon bad traditions or cultures.

Acharya Dwivedi who organized prayers said,” We, the global community members, do not condone gender violence and use the power of prayer to bring back the girls. Prayers in whatever language are offered, all go to one God. It carries enormous power of healing.”

Prayers were offered by a raft of spiritual leaders.