Manmohan Singh condemns attack in Nairobi, calls for sustained global effort to combat terrorism

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Sunday expressed grief over the terror attack at Westgate mall in Nairobi.

In a message to Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, Dr. Singh said that the incident is a reminder of the challenge posed by terrorism, and called for a sustained response from the global community.

"This incident is a stark reminder that the persisting menace of terrorism remains a formidable challenge that calls for a concerted and sustained response from the global community," he said in his message "India condemns in the strongest terms this heinous and senseless assault, which has snuffed out so many innocent lives including nationals of both our country," he added.

He assured the Kenyan President that India would stand ready to assist the country in this hour of grief. "We stand in solidarity with you and the Government and the people of Kenya in this hour of grief. Please convey our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and our good wishes to the injured for a full and speedy recovery," he said.

"I am confident that Your Excellency and the people of Kenya will have the strength and resilience to deal with this tragedy and respond firmly to the forces of terror. We stand ready to assist you in your efforts," he added.

Two Indians, including an 8-year-old boy, were among 39 killed in a terrorist attack at Westgate shopping mall in Nairobi, with atleast 150 people injured.

According to the Mirror, men armed with AK47s and grenades opened fire inside the Westgate Mall in the affluent Westlands area of Nairobi, and the Al-Qaeda-linked militant group Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the attack.

In a televised address, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta that security forces were in the process of 'neutralising the attackers and securing the mall' in what was a 'delicate' operation but those responsible would be hunted down and punished.