Immediately after the tragedy of Sept 11, I was quite fascinated by the number of responses to MGG Pillai's 'Chiaroscuro' column, which many had perceived to be insensitive, inappropriate and downright anti-American. I was also happy with the thought that there are many caring and thoughtful people inhabiting this beautiful planet. But, ever since Oct 7, when it began to rain bombs in drought-afflicted Afghanistan, that happiness has turned into utter disgust.

Utterly disgusting is the lack of criticism and condemnation because the issue here is the killing of innocent civilians - intended or otherwise. While I strongly denounce the New York World Trade Center and Washington's Pentagon attacks, I must, at the same time, vehemently condemn this relentless bombing of Afghanistan. The military objectives have already been met after the first few days and there is absolutely no justification for this continuous bombing, which has entered its fifth week!

My point here is to call for a stop to the bombing because the high rate of innocent lives lost is totally unacceptable!

This is not about the war against terrorism, because the Afghan civilians are not terrorists.

This is not even about war, because wars are fought between enemies and the Afghan civilians are definitely not the enemy.

This is not about Osama bin Laden, because guilty or otherwise, the victims continue to consist mainly of innocent Afghan civilians.

This is not about the Taliban, because oppressive or otherwise, the innocent Afghan civilians had no say in its rise to power.

This is not about Islam, because Ramadan/i> or otherwise, the killing of innocent lives is, in any religion, murder!

This is not about America, because irrespective of pro- or anti-American, that is not an excuse to allow the further loss of civilian lives through "mistakes" and "intelligence errors".

This is not about Sept 11, because the hijackers - whoever they were - had intended on taking as many lives as possible with them. It was cold and calculated. It happened and nothing will ever bring those victims back. And, if its revenge the US is after then go get the 'mastermind' if it is so damned sure of its 'intelligence sources' - hopefully not the same 'intelligence sources' that have been blamed for the recent straying missiles!

So, in the words of US President Bush, "Either you are with us or with them". And, if you value life - especially of the innocent kind - then, you are with us. But, if you are with them, then you have just proudly proclaimed that there is such a thing as worthy and unworthy victims.

Finally, I think it is time for every citizen of the world, all NGOs and all those self-proclaimed humanists and sympathisers of the 'worthy' Sept 11 victims to join me in this call for a stop to the excessive bombing and the killing of 'unworthy' victims!