NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has condemned Monday's killing of 35 innocent civilians in the Jammu region.

"The People of Kashmir have rejected and rebuffed terrorists repeatedly,'' he said.

The Centre reiterated that it would not be cowed down by such acts of terror aimed at derailing the peace process in the border State. "We have advised authorities in Jammu and Kashmir to review security measures for minorities,'' Union Home Secretary V K Duggal told reporters after a high-level review meeting here. Presided over by Home Minister Shivraj Patil, it was attended by top officials of the Ministry, security and intelligence agencies.

Mr. Duggal said the gunning down of the innocent villagers was clearly aimed at derailing the ongoing peace process.

"All indications point to the fact that there are elements who are opposed to the peace process and democratic rule. In the recent Assembly byelections in four constituencies, a high turnout of 76 per cent was witnessed. Obviously, it was not to the liking of those opposed to the holding of polls.''

The incident showed desperation among the terrorists, who wanted to hamper the peace process. Mr. Duggal's reference is to a meeting between the Prime Minister and the moderate faction of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference scheduled here for Wednesday.

He said the second round-table conference, chaired by the Prime Minister, with Kashmiri groups, leading citizens, political parties and others would be held in Srinagar on May 25.

Azad rushes to State

Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, who was in the capital, has returned to the State. Mr. Duggal said contingents of the Army and paramilitary forces reached the places where the killings occurred. A Central team might visit the area to assess the situation.

Union Water Resources Minister Saifuddin Soz said the killing of innocent villagers "reflects the cowardice of those who are bent upon committing heinous crimes against humanity.''

"Impose President's rule"

Vishwa Hindu Parishad secretary-general Pravin Togadia demanded that the IndianConstitution be applied in toto to Jammu and Kashmir and that nearly three lakh displaced Kashmiri Pandits be restored in their homes.

He termed the killings "ethnic cleansing'' and demanded imposition of President's rule in Jammu and Kashmir.

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