India stands firm against terrorism: Sumitra Mahajan

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan today expressed her deep anguish on the killing of 17 soldiers in Uri attack, and said the country would always stand firm and continue to engage international community in its fight against state-sponsored terrorism.
"India, a strong votary of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, would always stand firm against terrorism," she said at a programme organised by the New Zealand parliamentary friendship group for India.
Mahajan, who is leading an Indian Parliamentary Delegation to New Zealand, also stressed that the country would continue to engage the international community in its fight against "state-sponsored terrorism".
Heavily armed militants suspected to be from Pakistan-based JeM had yesterday stormed an Army base at Uri in Kashmir, killing 17 jawans.

Speaking on India's parliamentary democracy, she said the country has enforced a vibrant system of governance along with its commitment to secularism and inclusive and equitable development.
"Indian people have shown tremendous zeal and enthusiasm in participation in the electoral and governance processes, and thereby have greatly helped in establishment and strengthening of the largest representative democracy in the world," Mahajan said.
"Both India and New Zealand share values of democracy and good governance, and would be able to take their relationships to new heights," the Lok Sabha Speaker said.
Calling upon the two countries to strengthen their economic ties, Mahajan said, "Both India and New Zealand should make sincere efforts to tap the full potential of their trade and economic engagements.