Modi calls Paris mayhem an 'attack on humanity'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the bloodbath in Paris that left 127 people dead and some 200 injured was not an attack on France or its people but on humanity, urging the global community to define terrorism.

Condemning Friday night's terror attacks, Modi urged the international community to give a definition to terrorism so that it could be ascertained who were in its support and opposition.

Stating that it was the need of the hour that such incidents be fought by the united forces of mankind, Modi said: "United Nations needs to expedite the process of defining terrorism so that it can be known who supports terrorism."

"Once we have that definition, we will know who helps to promote terrorism and who are the victims to it," he said.

Unveiling the statue of 12th century scholar-philosopher Basaveshwara in London, Modi said: "My heart is filled with sadness due to what happened in Paris. This was not an attack on Paris but it was an attack on entire humanity and humanitarian forces."

He also said the statue will be an inspiration for all those who believe in democratic ideals.

Earlier in the morning, Modi tweeted: "News from Paris is anguishing and dreadful. Prayers with families of the deceased. We are united with people of France in this tragic hour."

"I condemn the barbaric terrorist attacks in Paris in the strongest terms..., Modi said in a statement. "We feel the shock, pain and outrage of the people of France. India stands firmly with the great people of France in dealing with this tragedy. And we must stand together as humanity in combating the major global threat of our times and to uphold our values and our way of life."

All suspected terrorists were killed during the hostages rescue operation conducted by French security forces on Saturday at the Bataclan theatre.

Seven simultaneous shootings rocked central Paris on Friday. One of it turned to hostage taking at the Bataclan theatre and concert hall where hundreds of people were attending a concert of a rock group.