Describing the terror assaults in France as an “attack on humanity”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday asked the UN to define terrorism before it is too late so that the world knows who is backing terror and who is against it.
Condemning the terror attacks in Paris that claimed over 120 lives, Modi said, “What happened in Paris yesterday is an attack on humanity and the world should accept that it is not an attack on Paris, not an attack on French citizens, not an attack on France but an attack on humanity.”
“It is an attack on humanitarian principles that is why all the powers that believe in humanity have to come together to condemn such attacks. All pro-humanity forces should unite to defeat anti-humanity forces. They will have to fulfil their responsibilities,” he said here at the ceremony for unveiling the statue of 12th century Indian philosopher Basaveshwara.
Modi said whenever evil forces raise their head, reformers like Basaveshwara take centre-stage.
On the third and final day of his UK visit, Modi said, “It is unfortunate that I am unveiling the statue of Basaveshwara...at a time when my heart is filled with shock.”
Modi called on the UN to define terrorism before it is too late so that it becomes clear who is siding with terrorism and who is fighting the menace.
“I would like the UN that is celebrating its 70th anniversary to not waste anytime in defining terrorism...the proposal is in front of it...so that we get to know that who is siding with terrorism, who is helping terrorism, who is backing terrorism and who is being targeted by terrorism, who are against terrorism and who for humanity are ready to sacrifice.”
He stated that it was the “need of the hour” that world’s pro-humanity forces unite before it is too late.
“And with unity isolate such forces (anti-humanity) and chalk out a strategy to defeat them,” he said.
Earlier in the day when the news of the attacks in Paris broke, Modi had tweeted, “News from Paris is anguishing & dreadful. Prayers with families of the deceased. We are united with people of France in this tragic hour.”