Pranab, Modi lead nation in condemning terror

President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday led India in conveying solidarity with the government and people of France in the aftermath of the deadly terrorist attacks in and around Paris.

“Strongly condemn terrorist attacks in Paris, India stands firmly by France, my heart goes out to its people,” the President posted on Twitter.

The Prime Minister, who is currently on a tour of the United Kingdom and Turkey, also tweeted India’s anguish.

“News from Paris is anguishing and dreadful. Prayers for families of the deceased. We are united with people of France in this tragic hour,” he said.

Talking to journalists in London, Modi said, “What happened in Paris yesterday is an attack on humanity and the world should accept that it is not an attack on Paris, not an attack on French citizens, not an attack on France but an attack on humanity.”

“It is an attack on humanitarian principles; that is why all the powers that believe in humanity have to come together to condemn such attacks. All pro-humanity forces should unite to defeat anti-humanity forces. They will have to fulfill their responsibilities,” he told journalists after unveiling the statue of 12th century philosopher Basaveshwara.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj sent a message to her French counterpart Laurent Fabius. “We stand united with the people and the Government of France in this hour of profound grief,” Swaraj said.

Congress party president Sonia Gandhi also condemned the attacks in Paris in a letter to French President Francois Hollande.