IN the backdrop of the devastating twin massacre in Oslo, Norway, the nation stands united yet traumatised at the national tragedy. The western media was very prompt in stamping the blame on Muslim fundamentalists for the terrorist attacks. A section of the Western media was pursuing  Norwegian police authorities and officials for a possible Muslim hand in the attacks. Their experts implied the publication of the cartoons and the presence of Norwegian troops in Afghanistan for the attacks. Norway is a nation of over four million people with many Pakistanis residing in Oslo and other cities.

We sat with our fingers crossed and worried about our future, anticipating a hate wave across the nation like the post-9/11 scenario. However, we are in high praise for the Norwegian police and state officials who refused to give out any preconceived ideas of the possibility of Muslims’ hand in the attacks, till the confirmation of facts and figures.

It was the first national tragedy since the Second World War. Norway is a very peaceful country with pristine beauty and a tolerant, progressive society. The education system advocates tolerance and harmony among all major world religions.

It is very surprising to see Norwegian children sitting quietly behind prayer proceedings in the mosque and similarly in synagogues and churches alike, developing respect and tolerance for everyone.

It is surprising how a person like Anders Behring Breivik emerged as a mad man on the rampage, wreaking havoc. The Norwegian prime minister has vowed to defend the nation and expressed that such attacks cannot defeat democracy. I think it is an eye-opener for the western media that terrorists have no religion and geography. We condemn these attacks in the strongest words and hope that Pakistanis and Norwegians would continue with peace and harmony in the days to come.

HINA TAIMOOR Trondheim, Norway