On the sixth anniversary of 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today sought concerted efforts to combat terrorism and trans- national crimes which were identified as a major challenge by most of the SAARC leaders at the bloc's 18th Summit here.
"We feel the endless pain of lost lives. Let us work together to fulfill the pledge we have taken to combat terrorism and trans-national crimes," the Prime Minister said, remembering the victims of Mumbai terror attacks that left 166 people dead and hundred of others injured.
During his nearly 30-minute speech at the Summit, Modi echoed the views of Presidents of Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, who described the menace of terrorism as "fundamental challenge, both regionally and internationally."
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa said neutralising of terrorists groups in Sri Lanka in May 2009 vastly changed the environment in the region.
"Terrorism still remains fundamental security challenge both regionally and internationally. Sri Lanka cannot remain complacent," he said, adding concerted efforts are required to deal with the menace.
He said that it should be ensured that "radical views of few and misplaced agenda of some others do not undermine the security and well-being of large majority of peace loving people in the region."
Refereeing to a recent suicide attack during a volleyball match that killed over 50 people in his country, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai strongly criticised those countries which provide safe havens to terrorists.
