Democratic forces should unite against terror: PM

New Delhi, Dec 13: Manmohan Singh, Indian Prime Minister on Saturday, Dec 13 said that all democratic forces should unite to fight terrorism and every segment of government have a 'moral duty' to take firm and expeditious action against the menace.

While inaugurating an international conference of jurists on Terrorism, Rule of Law and Human Rights in New Delhi, he said, "In our region, there is growing awareness that terrorism and extremism pose a threat to democracy and development. Governments and authorities in our region and elsewhere have a moral duty to act firmly and quickly." He requested all the 'peace-loving and democratic forces' around the world to come together in the fight against all manifestations of extremism and intolerance.

He thanked the International community for standing by and expressing solidarity with India in the wake of the 'horrible' Mumbai terror attacks. Manmohan Singh said he received phone calls and letter from heads of State and Government from several countries, including those from India's neighbourhood.

They have assured India that "they stand with us in our fight against terrorism," he said.

OneIndia News (With inputs from Agencies)