Top US official hails ‘award wapsi’ drive

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Sewall was speaking at the Vivekananda International Foundation, where she was invited to deliver a speech on “Countering Violent Extremism”.
Written by Deeptiman Tiwary | New Delhi | Published:January 14, 2016 2:09 am
US Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy & Human Rights Sarah Sewall said the returning of awards by writers and artistes was an example of India’s tolerance and resilience in the face of terror. Citing the Dadri lynching, she also said that to defeat violent extremism of all kind leaders need to “immediately condemn such acts and the misguided belief that were used to justify such violence”.
Sewall was speaking at the Vivekananda International Foundation, where she was invited to deliver a speech on “Countering Violent Extremism”.
She said governments must ensure that all people have the freedom to peacefully speak, organise and worship. “The protection of rights is central to the battle against violent extremism,” she said. “We must know that laws alone cannot guarantee the freedom and security we seek. We have to challenge the underlying assumptions. Leaders in particular have to speak out against direct and indirect calls for hatred and violence. When extremism explodes, as in the lynching of a Muslim man last September or in the burning of churches, leaders must be quick to condemn those acts and the misguided beliefs used to justify such violence,” Sewall said.
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/top-us-official-hails-award-wapsi-drive/