'No Reason, Pretext Can Justify Terrorism': UN Chief Pays Tribute To 26/11 Attack Victims

"Fighting terrorism must be a global priority for every country on earth and fighting terrorism is a central priority for the UN," said the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres ( Image Source :Getty )

New Delhi: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday paid tribute to the victims of the Mumbai terror attacks at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel and said, "Terror is an absolute evil. No reason, causes, pretext or grievance can justify the act of terrorism." On the first day of his three-day visit to India, Guterres laid a wreath in honor of all those who sacrificed their lives in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, reported news agency ANI. 

"I feel deeply moved to be here where one of the barbaric terrorist acts in history took place where 166 people lost their lives. I want to pay tribute to the victims they are heroes of all world and I want to express my deepest condolences to their families, to their friends, to the people of India, and to all those that are coming from other parts of the world that have lost their lives in Mumbai," he added.

“Terrorism is absolute evil. It has no room in today's world", noted the UN chief who interacted with victims of the terror attacks. “I told him I was injured at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus & identified Ajmal Kasab in the court. I also told him I want to study & become an officer, end terrorism,” survivor of the terror attack Devika Rotawan told the news agency ANI.

Fighting Terrorism A Global Priority

He also said that "fighting terrorism must be a global priority for every country on earth and fighting terrorism is a central priority for the UN". Stating his first reform, Guterres said that he made a proposal for the creation of the office of anti-terrorism.

The office was created with the intention to cooperate with member states in order to provide the kind of systems and advice and training that is necessary for all countries to be prepared to be able to prevent and simultaneously fight against terrorist acts.

This will be UNSG's first visit to India since he started his second term in office in January.