London: Condemning the devastating terrorist attack in Paris, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday termed the carnage “an assault on mankind” and said that his heart is filled with sadness.
“What happened in Paris yesterday (Friday night) was an attack on humanity. This wasn't an attack on France but humanity and mankind,” PM Modi, who is in London as part of his three-day tour of the United Kingdom, said.
“My heart is filled with sadness due to what happened in Paris. Such incidents need to be fought by the united forces of mankind,” he said.
“The 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 promote terrorism,” the PM said.
PM Modi made the comments during a ceremony in London to unveil a statue of Bhagwaan Basaveshwara, who is remembered as an icon of social reform and democratic ideals.
“This statue will be an inspiration for all those who believe in democratic ideals,” PM said. Bhagwaan Basaveshwara had supported gender equality and women empowerment during his lifetime.
According to latest reports, the toll in the deadly Paris attack on Saturday revised to 127, the deadliest in Europe, since the Madrid train bombings in 2004, which killed 191 people.
Following the attack, which is being seen as a copycat version of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, security has been tightened across the Indian city.
Meanwhile, French President Francois Hollande has announced three days' mourning of in the country after the Paris attack.
