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Temple attack aimed at destroying India's secular fabric: Kalam

Condemning the terrorist attack on the Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar, President A P J Abdul Kalam on Tuesday night said it was a cowardly act intended to destroy India's secular fabric.

"The incident needs to be condemned in strongest possible terms by all peace loving people. It would make us more resolute in our resolve against terrorism," the President, said.

He is in contact with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Deputy Prime Minister Lal Kishenchand Advani, Gujarat Governor Sundar Singh Bhandari and Chief Minister Narendra Modi to give all strength to the suffering devotees and also to the Swamijis of the temple, a presidential statement said.

In this moment of anguish, Kalam said he would appeal to the people, especially those of Gujarat, to maintain peace.

"We should unitedly defeat all the evil designs against our great country which lives and shines through the civilizational heritage of our nation and the tolerance of our people," he said.

Indian police and security forces are fully capable of defeating all forms of terrorist attempts against 'our country and our people', he said.

"Let our people support them with the show of strength through our traditional unity of minds and unity in action," he said.

He added, "My heartfelt condolences to the families of those who have lost lives and I pray to the almighty for the peace, for the departed souls and speedy recovery for those who are injured."

The Temple Attack: Complete Coverage

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