Manmohan Singh

New Delhi: In a forceful expression of the country's resolve to fight terror, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday told the enemies of the nation "no one can make India kneel."

In a short but assertive address to the nation, the Prime Minister said, "it is not the first time the enemies of the nation had tried to undermine our peace and prosperity. These elements have not yet understood that we Indians can stand united. That we will stand united. They have not yet understood that we will never let them win."

Dr. Singh, speaking in English and Hindi, commended the people of Mumbai and Srinagar for returning speedily to normal life the day after the blasts and grenades. "This is living proof of our contempt for terrorism," he said.

Commending the "good work" done by the police, security forces, railway staff, firemen and medical personnel in responding to the blasts, he conveyed the nation's sympathies to "those who have lost their loved ones."

The Prime Minister was full of admiration for the people of Mumbai. "Mumbai stands tall once again as the symbol of a united India. An inclusive India."

He said none could come in the path of India's progress. "The wheels of our economy will move on. India will continue to walk tall, and with confidence."

Dr. Singh assured the nation that "the United Progressive Alliance will do whatever is required to deal with the challenge at hand. We will win this war against terror. Nothing will break our resolve."

The Prime Minister ended his speech by urging people to remain calm: " Do not be provoked by rumours. Do not let anyone divide us. Our strength lies in our unity. Let us stand together as one people," he said.

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