More than 300 people joined a peace walk in downtown and candle light vigil on the steps of state Capitol in Denver to protest against the recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai and to pay homage to the victims.

Organized by a coalition of 15 Indian American organizations of Colorado and supported by the local Jewish community, the peace march marked first such protest by the growing Indian community. Many women and children could be seen holding placards and chanting slogans against terrorism. Protestors tied black ribbons around their arm and held the US flag and Indian Tri Color. They shouted several slogans against terrorism and demanded a strong action against the terrorists and their masters. They held placards with slogans such as ‘Democracies against terrorism’ and “Hindus against terror”. After the peace walk, protesters formed a human chain around the Capitol and held a candle light vigil on the west side steps near Lincoln Ave. The executive director of Colorado Department of Labor and Employment Mr. Don Mares addressed the gathering. He condemned the Mumbai attacks and said victims got killed while enjoying their freedom and life.

Director of Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado, Ms. Janet Sherman joined the protest and offered her condolences to the victims. Prof. Ved Nanda, Vice Provost of University of Denver, addressed the gathering and urged the US and Indian governments to work together to proactively and comprehensively counter the terrorism menace. Many community leaders including Mr. Sudhir Verma (Desi Democrats), Mr. Sam Thomas (Desi Democrats), Mr. Sridhar Talanki (Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh) and representatives from the Indian Association of Colorado, Tamil Association of Colorado, Colorado Telugu Association, Colorado Marathi Mandal, Colorado Kannada Koota and Kerala Association of Colorado participated in the protest.