NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Home Minister Shivraj Patil have condemned the attempted terrorist attack on the headquarters of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in Nagpur on Thursday. Dr. Singh appealed to the nation to remain united in its fight against terrorism.

In a statement from Singapore, Mr. Patil expressed relief that the attack on the RSS headquarters was foiled by alert security personnel. The Government, he said, was determined to defeat the designs of terrorists out to disturb peace and communal harmony in the country.

Bharatiya Janata Party president Rajnath Singh and Leader of the Opposition L.K. Advani alleged that the "soft" policies of the United Progressive Alliance government towards terrorism encouraged militancy. While Mr. Rajnath Singh described the RSS as a "symbol of nationalism" and "the country's largest socio-cultural organisation," Mr. Advani said the Sangh was "the fountainhead of nationalism." Both commended the Nagpur police for quickly dealing with the militants.

Mr. Rajnath Singh described the Government policy as "weak and compromising" saying that it must change to "deal firmly with forces inimical to India's interests." He referred to terrorist attacks targeting Hindus and Sikhs in the Jammu region, as well as attacks in Delhi and India's "cultural centres" such as Ayodhya and Varanasi.

Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Pravin Togadia condemned the "cruel war of `jehadis' against the Indian state" and said all Indians, irrespective of caste and religion, should come forward to bring this `jehad' to an end. Senior VHP leader Giriraj Kishore said New Delhi must warn Pakistan to curb terrorist attacks on India or face the prospect of an end to the peace dialogue and snapping of all diplomatic relations. If terrorist attacks did not stop, India must "go to war" against Pakistan.

All India Minorities Front president S.M. Asif condemned both the attacks on tourists from West Bengal in Srinagar and the attack on the RSS headquarters. He said terrorists were desperate and unhappy at the prospect of lasting peace between India and Pakistan through the ongoing dialogue. It was clear that by attacking temples, and now the RSS office, they wanted to create communal disturbances. He appealed to the people not to allow that plan to succeed.

Act of cowardice

The Congress has condemned the attempted attack by militants on the RSS headquarters and described it as an "act of cowardice aimed at destroying peace and unity in the country."

Party president Sonia Gandhi said the people of India would do everything in their power to defeat the evil plans of terrorists.

The party congratulated the alert and courageous police personnel of Maharashtra for foiling the bid of the terrorists. "The Government and the police of Maharashtra have acted with alacrity and care in protecting the complex," Ms. Gandhi said in her statement, and reiterated the party's determination and commitment to fight terrorism in any form.

CPI expresses concern

The Communist Party of India expressed serious concern at the growing activities of terrorists and communal extremist organisations in Maharashtra. In a statement, the party's Central Secretariat said the attack on the RSS headquarters came in the wake of unearthing of weapons and other such materials in Malegoan and Aurangabad.

"It is obvious that certain forces are behind such activities to create communal strife," the party said and appealed to the people to be vigilant and foil such conspiracies.

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