Politicians show resolve, unite against terror

New Delhi: India’s political class united in Parliament on Wednesday and unanimously passed a resolution condemning the terrorist attack on Mumbai.

"I apologise to the people of the country that this dastardly act could not be prevented," said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in the Lok Sabha and promised that the country’s security apparatus would be improved to prevent a repeat of what happened in Mumbai.

Singh alleged the "epicentre of terrorism" is located in Pakistan and demanded that the terror infrastructure in that country must be dismantled.

India has exercised "utmost restraint" but it should "not be misconstrued as a sign of our weakness". India cannot be "satisfied with mere assurances."

At the end of a daylong debate in the Lok Sabha, Singh read out a resolution that was passed with unanimous acclamation by the entire House.

"This House expresses its unequivocal condemnation of the heinous terrorist attacks in Mumbai by terrorist elements from Pakistan claiming hundreds of innocent lives and seeking to destroy the values that India stands for,” said the resolution.

"Notes that this outrage follows acts of terror committed since the beginning of this year in various places across India and on the Indian embassy in Kabul. Notes with deep concern the fact that Lashkar-eToiba, a terrorist organisation that is listed in the UN Security Council Resolution 1267 and is banned in Pakistan, has continued to operate and launch terrorist attacks against India.

"Notes the government's declaration to review circumstances leading up to the attacks on Mumbai and to take further measures as may be necessary to safeguard national security. On behalf of the people of India, firmly resolves that India shall not cease her efforts until the terrorists and those who have trained, funded and abetted them are exposed and brought to justice."

"India shall firmly counter all evil designs against its unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. India shall remain resolute and shall be victorious in its fight against the barbaric menace of terrorism."

"That the ideal of a secular and democratic India shall prevail."

Speaker Somnath Chatterjee said the unanimous vote reflected the "unity of the entire country".

(With inputs from PTI and IANS)