Shocked at Bhutto's death, PM says fight terrorism unitedly

Panaji, Dec 28 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today expressed shock and outrage at the demise of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto yesterday and asserted the need to fight terrorism unitedly.

''In her death, the sub-continent has lost an outstanding personality and champion of India and Pakistan. It is a great loss to both Pakistan and India and it reminds us of the need for working together to fight terrorism,'' Dr Singh said while addressing the media at the Goa International Centre (ICG).

Calling for a dialogue among intellectuals, Dr Singh stressed the need for a united fight to stamp out terrorism that poses a threat to peace in South Asia.

Releasing a brochure on ''Goa Dialogues''- an initiative of the ICG, Dr Singh said experts and scholars should come together and exchange dialogues for a solution to face terrorists.

''There are few evil forces that divide the people over cast and religion, which also hampers the progress and development of the country. We must find meaningful and peaceful solution for it,'' he said.

Goa Assembly Speaker Pratapsingh Rane and President of ICG said the ''Goa Dialogues'' is a new initiative to promote and strengthen peace, stability and independence in South Asia and the world through dialogue, interaction and co-operation among civilisations.

He said this initiative will be a transmitter of ideas and activities. He later presented a book ''Towards Freedom in South Asia: Democratization, Peace and Regional Cooperation'' to the Prime Minister.

UNI