The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has expressed 'shock and anguish over the terrorist attack in Mumbai that killed over 100 people, including a number of policemen.
Extending 'wholehearted support to the government' and calling upon the country to rise as one man to defeat the terrorists' intentions, RSS chief K S Sudarshan paid homage to Anti-Terrorism Squad chief Hemant Karkare, noted encounter specialist Vijay Salaskar, and Additional Commissioner Ashok Kamte Ashok Kamte -- who were killed in the terrorist attack.
The RSS chief said in a statement that the 'magnitude of the attack -- number of terrorists, huge quantity of weapons that they were carrying and the brazenness with which they attacked a number of prime locations in the city -- clearly indicates that the terrorists have launched not just an attack, but a war on the nation'.
Terror strikes at Mumbai's heart Terror attacks rock Mumbai, 100 killed, 300 hurtPix: Mumbai bleeds | Video: Taj on fire | Video 2'It is clear that the intention of the terrorists is to destroy peace, harmony and morale of our nation. The RSS has always stood firmly against all those who have been the enemies of our national unity, democracy and civilization,' the statement said.
'At this hour of crisis I extend wholehearted support to the government and the agencies and call upon the entire nation to rise as one man and destroy the nefarious designs of the terrorists. I urge the Swayamsevaks to continue their efforts to rescue hundreds injured or otherwise affected by this terror attack. I also ask them to maintain utmost vigil to ensure that nothing that would hamper the efforts of the government and the agencies would be allowed to take place anywhere in the country,' the RSS statement said.
'I pay tearful homage to all those people who have lost their lives in this barbarous terrorist attack. I salute the brave security personnel -- including senior officers like Anti-Terrorism Squad chief Hemant Karkare, noted encounter specialist Vijay Salaskar, Additional Commissioner Ashok Kamte Ashok Kamte -- who have laid down their lives valiantly defending our nation,' the statement added.