Terror attacks to rupture India's social fabric: Pranab

Tehran, July 29 : The serial blasts in Bangalore and Ahmedabad are an attempt to 'rupture India's resilient social fabric', India's External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said Tuesday at the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) ministerial conference here. He added that 'an act of terrorism anywhere' was a threat to peace and stability everywhere.

Making it clear that the "evil of terrorism" is one particular challenge that "faces us all", he called for the early finalisation and adoption of a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism by the world community.

"Over the last three days, terrorists have targeted innocent men, women and children in the Indian cities of Bangalore and Ahmedabad, killing over 50 and wounding more than 200. In Ahmedabad, their targets included hospitals as well, where the injured were being treated," Mukherjee said.

"The terrorists' intention, quite clearly, is to rupture India's resilient social fabric. But India's resolve and capacities are strong and can withstand all that these terrorists can do," the minister said.

Mukherjee also referred to the recent attack on the Indian embassy in Kabul that killed five Indian officials, including two diplomats, and over 80 Afghan civilians, many of whom were young girls on their way to school.

"Terrorism is one of the most serious threats to global peace. It negates the fundamental principle of justice," the minister said, adding that there can be "no justification whatsoever" for terrorism.

He added: "The terrorists may claim to act on behalf of religion, but in truth they have no religion, because the essence of religion is peace and universal brotherhood, and not violence and the violation of human rights."

Though the minister did not name any country, he indicated that outsiders could have helped the terrorists behind the recent attacks.

He stressed on the need to send out a strong message from the NAM ministerial conference and said: "Our movement stands resolutely for international cooperation in bringing the perpetrators, organisers, financers and sponsors of all acts of terrorism to justice".

"In this context, I would particularly undermine the need for concerted efforts by all of us to work towards early finalization and adoption of a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, a draft of which was presented by India at the United Nations as far back as 1996."

Urging the need to remain united in its resolve to fight terrorists, he pointed out that, "we have always been successful when we have shown unity, commitment and perseverance".

Mukherjee added: "The history of our Movement is a testimony to that. With unity and commitment, there is no doubt that we will achieve our goals and objectives."