Modi urges PM to help Indian victims of Nairobi attack

Writes to Manmohan Singh urging to use influence, power to ensure security of Indians

Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi on Monday requested Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to ensure security of all Indian families who have become victim of terror attack in Nairobi, Kenya, that has claimed 69 lives so far.

In a letter to Singh, Modi said, "Those killed an injured in the brutal attack in Nairobi include innocent Indians. Their families are suffering from insecurity and are longing for help from the Indian government. Our government has talked to Indian High Commissioner in Kenya and urged him to ensure safety of all Indians."

"I urge you to use all influence and power to ensure security on India citizens there, out of which a sizable population is from Gujarat," Modi said in his letter.

The BJP's prime ministerial candidate pointed our that a large number of people from Indian origin, especially from Gujarat, have settled in Kenya since centuries and have contributed to that country's development.

"When we have been target of such terror attacks, we can understand the pain and suffering of innocent people. It is time to bring together humanitarian forces to fight the war against terrorism," he said.

Modi had yesterday spoken to India's High Commissioner to Kenya and had urged him to help victims of the brazen attack.

Heavy gunfire and loud explosions erupted at Nairobi's Westgate shopping mall on Monday as Kenyan troops fought Al Qaeda-linked gunmen who were holding hostages after massacring at least 69 people including two Indians yesterday.