Thursday, July 13 2006 17:37 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: The Indian Government today (July 13, 2006) saluted the people of Mumbai and Srinagar, witness to a series of blasts that killed more than 200 people, saying that their spirit demonstrated 'very emphatically' that terrorism could not succeed.

A resolution passed by the cabinet, which began its meeting with a two-minute silence to mourn the victims of Tuesday's terror attacks, said no forces would be allowed to hamper the nation's growth and prosperity.

"The spirit displayed by Mumbai and Srinagar has demonstrated very emphatically that terrorism cannot succeed. Such forces will never be allowed to check our nation's march to economic growth and prosperity," he said.

The cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, reiterated the government's commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms.

"Nothing will deter us from our firm policy to fight this menace till it is wiped out," the cabinet resolution said.

"We are determined to apprehend and bring justice to all those responsible for the evil acts in Mumbai and Srinagar," he said.

"The cabinet also paid tribute to the people of Mumbai and Srinagar for their "resolve to triumph over terrorism and return quickly to normal life," he said.

"The spontaneous response of Mumbai's citizens to provide succour to those in pain stands out strikingly. It is a towering example of fellowship and the best in human beings," he said.

The cabinet lauded the works done by public services, firemen, railway staff and medical personnel in providing relief to the victims in Mumbai.

Appreciating the 'tremendous resolve' displayed by the people of Jammu and Kashmir to withstand terrorism over the years, the resolution said, "They have not let these influences impair our national unity and secular fabric."

About 200 people were killed when serial blasts rocked Mumbai and Srinagar. While 40 people were injured in Srinagar, the train bombings in Mumbai injured more than 700.