Mukherjee, Ansari, Modi express shock, sadness over Orlando attack

President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice-President Mohammad Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have expressed shock and sadness over the horrific shooting attack at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida in the United States on Monday which left 50 people dead and 53 wounded.

“I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the deadly attack against innocent civilians in Orlando earlier today. I offer my deepest sympathies to all those who have been affected by this terrible tragedy," Mr. Mukherjee said in a message to US President Barack Obama.

"India condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We believe that there can be no justification for such senseless acts of violence. 

"This event is yet another grim reminder that the world must come together to address, comprehensively and urgently, the scourge of terrorism, its perpetrators and also those who support or harbour them. 

"The people of India stand by the people of the United States of America in their moment of grief and mourning. We pray for the families that have lost loved ones and for the swift recovery of the injured," he added.

Mr. Ansari said there could be no justification for such barbaric and reprehensible acts. 

"Terrorism today has global reach, no city remains safe. Pluralist and open societies that stand for peace and share values of humanism have to work together in dealing with this scourge. 

"We, in India, stand with the people and Government of the United States of America in their moment of grief and pray for the bereaved families and early recovery of the injured," he added.

"Shocked at the shootout in Orlando, USA. My thoughts & prayers are with the bereaved families and the injured," Mr. Modi said on micro-blogging site Twitter.

NNN