Samjhauta Exp attack was an attempt to derail peace process: Sonia

New Delhi, Mar 6 (UNI) While reiterating the commitment to normalising relations with Pakistan, Congress President Sonia Gandhi today said the terror attack on the Samjhauta Express last month was a clear attempt to undermine the progressing dialogue between India and its neighbouring country.

''We must not let this tragic event divert us from our common endeavour to normalise relations between the two countries,'' she said, while addressing the General Body meeting of the Congress Parliamentary Party.

She began her 20-minute-long speech by expressing anguish at the ''cowardly'' attack on the Samjhauta Express in which about 60 people from India and Pakistan were charred to death at Deewana village near Panipat in Haryana. ''Our hearts go out to the bereaved families. We empathise with their loss and suffering.'' Ms Gandhi said it was gratifying that the governments and, more importantly, the people of both countries had come together to condemn the inhuman act of terror.

Referring to the killing of migrant workers in Dibrugarh and Tinsukia in Upper Asom by insurgent group ULFA three months ago, Ms Gandhi said the successful conduct of the National Games in Guwahati was a testimony to the resilience and tenacity of the Asomese people.

Ms Gandhi expressed concern at signs of rising intolerance and communalism in different parts of the country.

''Pamphlets propagating hate and divisiveness are being distributed in some states to spread disaffection and hatred. These and other insidious activities are clear and blatant attempts by some parties and organisations to polarise society,'' she regretted.

In this context, she urged every Congressman to be alert and counter such attempts pro-actively.

Pointing out that the Congress was the only party that provided shelter to all, Ms Gandhi said the values of secularism, pluralism, and respect for all irrespective of caste, creed, language or community, with a commitment to unity through diversity and justice for all are the ideals that ''our party symbolises''.

UNI