The tragic carnage of 32 students and faculty of Virginia Technical University in USA, in the forenoon of April 16, 2007 has shocked the world and the academic community in particular everywhere. We are appalled by the ghastly shooting down of innocent and unsuspecting students in the dormitory and the classrooms of the university for no known reason or justification by one or two misguided persons whose intentions and motives are still a mystery.

IFACHE expresses its deep sorrow and concern at this growing trend of violence on college and school campuses and mourn the death of the unfortunate men and women belonging to various nations and cultures. We condole their sad demise caused by the agents of mindless violence and offer deep sympathies to their families as well as the academic community of Virginia Technical University. We pray for the departed souls and their eternal peace.

These incidents raise many questions related to the safety and security of university campuses. The agents of terror and their un-mindful instruments may soon extend their domain of death, from air passengers, public meetings to academic campuses and dormitories. Where there is least police protection or surveillance. It is time to make provision for preventing the entry of the potential perpetrators of terror and also to nip in the bud the signs of frustration and bitterness among the individual youth who may have some reason or other to turn into anti-social assassins. Peace and non-violence on the campus require eternal vigilance on the part of university administrators and law enforcement authorities.

IFACHE appeals to all member institutions to organize a memorial service in honor of the dead colleagues of Virginia Technical University and offer condolence to the families of the deceased.

Our deep sympathies go to the parents of those who lost their lives. The death of a young person can be most poignant sorrow for the mother and father. May God give them strength to bear this grief?

Please send your observations, suggestions and comments to us.

Yours sincerely

 
Dr. Mani Jacob

Secretary General, IFACHE