NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is travelling to Mumbai on Friday in what is being described by officials as a "showing the flag" visit.

Dr. Singh met President Abdul Kalam on Thursday. During the 30-minute meeting the two discussed the "security situation," in the wake of Tuesday's serial blasts.

The Prime Minister is said to have conveyed to Mr. Kalam that all the resources available to the investigative agencies are being pressed into service. There is a quite confidence that the case will be "cracked" shortly.

Two-minute silence

Earlier in the day, the Union Cabinet observed a two-minute silence in memory of those killed in the series of blasts in Mumbai and Srinagar and placed on record the Government's commitment to root out terrorism.

The resolution notes, "the Government reiterates its strong commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms. Nothing will deter us from our firm policy to fight this menace till it is wiped out. We are determined to apprehend and bring to justice all those responsible for the evil acts in Mumbai and Srinagar.''

Tribute paid

Condemning the "senseless, inhuman and dastardly attack by terrorists on tourists and the innocent people,'' the Cabinet paid tributes to the people of Mumbai and Srinagar for their resolve to triumph over terrorism and return quickly to normal life.

The resolution said "the Cabinet recognises the tremendous resolve, displayed over the years, by the people of Jammu and Kashmir to withstand terrorism. They have not let these influences impair our natural unity and secular fabric.

The spirit displayed by Mumbai and Srinagar has demonstrated very emphatically that terrorism cannot succeed. Such forces will never be allowed to check our nation's march to economic growth and prosperity.''

The Cabinet noted that the spontaneous response of Mumbai's citizens to provide succour to those in pain stood out strikingly. Describing it as "a towering example of fellowship and the best in human beings,'' it also acknowledged the "truly laudable work'' of firemen, railway staff, medical personnel and other public services in Mumbai in providing relief to the victims.

The Cabinet, meeting for the first time after the serial blasts, conveyed its deepest sympathies to those who had lost their loved ones and said an immediate priority was to ensure that the families in distress got all possible relief and the injured were provided the best medical attention.

Media lauded

Releasing the resolution, Union Minister and Cabinet spokesperson, Priyaranjan Dasmunsi said the Cabinet, particularly the Prime Minister, lauded the role of the electronic and print media in preserving the confidence of the people and helping in ensuring that calm prevailed.

"The Prime Minister asked me to personally congratulate the media for the role they played,'' he said.

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