Monday, September 11 2006 16:27 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Mumbai: The US will assist India to bring to justice terrorists like the Mumbai train bombers, American envoy David C. Mulford declared today (Sept 11, 2006), comparing New York to Malegaon on the fifth anniversary of 9/11.

Mulford told a gathering in this city that Washington was "rapidly" expanding anti-terror cooperation with New Delhi as part of the global war against terrorism.

"We will do all we can to help India bring to justice those who commit acts of terror like those on 7/11 here in Mumbai," he said, referring to the serial train bombings that killed nearly 200 people.

"We are sharing sensitive information and police and investigative best practices in forensics, threat protection and the disruption of terrorist financing," he said.

"This will save lives," he said.

The ambassador went on, "We know that terrorism is not just an attack against one nation or community. Terrorism is a direct assault on free societies everywhere.

"There can be no conceivable explanation or justification for these despicable acts, whether in New York, Mumbai or Malegaon last Friday," he said.

Around 30 people were killed and nearly 200 injured when bombs went off outside a mosque in the Maharashtra town of Malegaon Friday, sparking a killer stampede.

Mulford reminded the audience that many Indian nationals were among the nearly 3,000 innocent people who perished when terrorists hijacked passenger planes and rammed into the World Trade Centre towers in New York on this day in 2001.

"Two months ago, India was viciously attacked when terrorists planted explosives to kill and maim unsuspecting passengers on five separate trains in Mumbai," he added.

"On this sad anniversary, as Americans pause to remember our losses, we understand all too well the pain and loss caused by terrorists in this great country," he said.

"The people of India have suffered repeated terror attacks in Mumbai, New Delhi, Srinagar, and India's northeastern states.

"Our two great countries, as members of the international community, regularly reaffirm our shared commitment to confront and defeat the terrorists who sew only hatred and destruction," he said.

He said the principles and freedoms that unite free nations like India and the US will prevail over the militant few who seek to impose their nihilistic creed on the world.

"Despite the tragedy and violence inflicted on our cities, people in the US and India will move forward with renewed commitment to the preservation of diverse, tolerant democratic societies societies founded on the rule of law, respect for human rights and freedom for all of our people.

"The American people and our Indian friends resolve, today and all days, to remain determined and unafraid, and to honour the memory of our fellow citizens caught in the vortex of terror," he said.