The Hindu : Front Page : Terrorism, a global threat: Manmohan

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Saturday, Jul 09, 2005

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Terrorism, a global threat: Manmohan

Hasan Suroor

``Shock and anger over blasts''

OXFORD: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday reached out to the victims of Thursday's bomb blasts in London and called for a united fight against terrorism.

Speaking at Oxford University, Dr. Singh deviated from the text of his speech to express his "deep sense of shock and anger" at the terrorist incidents.

"It is clear once again that terrorism is a global threat. Terrorism anywhere is a threat to peace, freedom, human dignity and civilisation everywhere. Terrorism is cowardice aimed at the innocent people. It is fed on hatred and cynicism."

Calling on the international community to "stand together" against terrorists, Dr. Singh said: "I sincerely hope that all of those who cherish and value open and free societies will join hands in the war against terrorism wherever it is fought. I wish the people of London well. I pray that their lives will soon return to normal and they can resume their celebrations for having been chosen the venue for the 2012 Olympics."

Rural job scheme soon

PTI, UNI report:

Addressing a press conference, Dr. Singh said all indications pointed to his Government achieving a seven per cent growth rate this year. The Government was committed to making it inclusive by developing infrastructure and a safety net for the poor.

Seeking to address one of the main issues raised by the Left parties, Dr. Singh said the Government would soon launch a National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme to ensure 100 days of employment to every member of a rural family.

"We have also taken concrete measures to ensure that the benefits reach the downtrodden," the Prime Minister said. Earlier, he unveiled a plaque commemorating 75 years of "India House,'' which houses the Indian High Commission to Britain.

To a question on corruption, Dr. Singh said economic reforms have helped reduce corruption and peak custom tariffs would be brought down on a par with neighbouring countries in three to five years.

With the dismantling of licence raj and the introduction of liberalisation process since 1991, the scope for corruption had been reduced to a large extent.

Rejects Hurriyat demand

Dr. Singh rejected the Hurriyat Conference demand for early elections in Jammu and Kashmir but declared that the door of the Government was always open for dialogue with any group willing to shun violence and find a meaningful solution.

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