The suicide bombing near Wagah check point in Pakistan that claimed 60 lives has drawn wide condemnation in India, with the government calling for "the firmest and most comprehensive action" against all terror groups. Politicians have sought united efforts to deal with terrorism.
In a statement, the government said it "strongly condemns the dastardly terrorist attack" and added that there was "no grievance or political goal so great as to justify such a cowardly act".
"We believe that only the firmest and most comprehensive action against all terror groups without any distinction is the only way to defeat this evil scourge," it said.
"Our prayers will remain with the families of the victims, who we hope will be granted the courage and fortitude to overcome this irreparable loss that they have just suffered."
Congress president Sonia Gandhi also condemned the attack.
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"Congress president Sonia Gandhi has expressed shock and dismay over the bomb blast, condemning extremist elements behind such inhuman act," an official statement from the Congress said. Gandhi extended her condolences to the families of the bereaved.
The terror attack took place when a young man wearing a suicide vest blew himself up near the Wagah border check post Saturday evening as hundreds of men, women and children were returning from the daily flag lowering ceremony held at the border by the Pakistan Rangers and India's Border Security Force (BSF).
According to reports, the toll could go up as the condition of over a dozen of the injured is "very critical".
The responsibility for the attack was claimed separately by the Jundullah and Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan-affiliated Jamaat-ul-Ahrar outfits.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted his condemnation of the incident Sunday night. "Terror attack in Pakistan near Wagah Border is shocking. I strongly condemn such a dastardly act of terrorism. My condolences to the families of the deceased. Prayers with the injured," the prime minister tweeted within hours of the blast.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar told reporters: "I deplore this attack. Nations combating terrorism need to make united efforts to deal with this problem effectively."
Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi said: "Terrorism has no boundaries, no religion, no name or colour. It is deplorable, condemnable. Pakistan should have realised that this menace should be put down by a firm hand."
The attack has halted the overland border trade between India and Pakistan for two days. Hundreds of trucks from both countries carry goods, including fruits and vegetables, through the Wagah border.
