PM denounces Mumbai regional riots

On Board Air India One, Oct 26 (UNI) Describing as 'unfortunate' the riots in Mumbai by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena in the wake of the arrest of its supremo Raj Thackeray, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said any regional tensions or animosity is an act of disservice to the country.

''It is very unfortunate that these incidents have taken place," he said, while asserting that "all of us have an obligationregardless of our political affiliations to do nothing which will work against the unity and integrity and social cohesion of our countryl" Asked if there was any failure on the part of the Maharashtra government in handling the situation, he said he did not want to criticse any government while he was on foreign soil.

''I wouldn't like to discuss all these issues in public. The situation requires tactful handling," he said.

Dr Singh said " Whatever is necessary to restore calm, to restore respect for the rule of the law should be undertaken. I would not like to comment on internal matters in detail while I am on foreign territory." UNI SH SBA RAI0458