PM expresses solidarity with people of Gujarat

Ahmedabad, Jul 28 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today expressed his solidarity with the people of Gujarat in their hour of crisis.

Dr Singh was speaking at the L G Hospital, after visiting victims of the serial bomb blast that rocked the city on Saturday claiming 49 lives.

Dr Singh, who accompanied by UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, arrived this afternoon from New Delhi, said the terrorist acts were aimed at destroying the social fabric of Indian society existing between all communities that have been maintaining communal harmony and social peace amongst citizens.

''As the people of Gujarat have shown so admirably, these efforts will not succeed,'' he added.

The Prime Minister was joined in his visit by Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, state Finance Minister Vajubhai Vala and other top administrative officials.

Dr Singh further stated that ''We will rise to the challenge and I am confident we will be able to defeat these forces.'' The Prime Minister urged, ''All political parties, the Central and State Governments, the Central and State police and intelligence authorities and civil society groups should cooperate and work together to this end.'' ''In this hour of tragedy, my heart goes out to those who have lost their near and dear ones. I offer my sympathies to those injured. We will do our best to take care of them. And my deepest prayers for the departed souls.'', Dr Singh added.

UNI Team MP RP RK1732