The Hindu : National : Shameful, says Congress

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Thursday, Jul 13, 2006

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National

Shameful, says Congress

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The Congress on Wednesday described the terrorist attacks on tourists in Srinagar and commuters in Mumbai trains as "shameful and cowardly." It urged the Government to arrest those behind them.

Party spokesperson Jayanti Natarajan said people would never succumb to the machinations of terrorists. Howsoever strong the attacks were, their [people's] courage and spirit would remain. "India will never allow the evil designs of terrorists to succeed and will face the challenge and not rest until terrorism is rooted out from our soil." She said Congress president Sonia Gandhi was in touch with the Chief Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir and Maharashtra and requested them to take all steps to tighten security, maintain peace and harmony and bring succour.

The Congress hailed the spirit of the people of Mumbai and Srinagar, who came out as one to help the wounded. It also praised the role of the Government, police and administration.

BJP criticism

Responding to criticism by the Bharatiya Janata Party, Ms. Natarajan said that while she did not want to politicise the issue, "the less the BJP speaks is better because it was during their time that Parliament was attacked and the External Affairs Minister escorted a terrorist to freedom." At present, it was important to ensure that people got relief. Both the Centre and the State Governments had taken steps to control and monitor the situation.

In a separate statement, the former Prime Minister, V.P. Singh, expressed deep shock and anguish over the blasts and condemned the inhuman attack. He urged the Centre to strengthen security measures and punish those involved in the attack.

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