New Delhi, March 05 — Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said the recent times terrorists “cowardly” act to target the Indians on goodwill mission in Kabul will not “bend the will” of the country in helping people of Afghanistan.

He said this in the Parliament while replying to a debate on Motion of Thanks to the Address of President Pratibha Patil. Singh referred to 26th February attack in Kabul on Indians and said that by the incident the entire nation was outraged.

He added, “These Indian nationals were in Afghanistan on a mission of goodwill and friendship helping to construct the peaceful and democratic Afghanistan that our Afghan friends desire. We condemn this cowardly act.”

PM also noted India’s assistance has received good support among the Afghan people. He said, “I wish to assure this House that such attacks will not bend the will of the people of India.”

He also mentioned that India will assist the Afghan people in “securing their legitimate right to determine their destiny in the manner they chose without outside interference.”

Singh referred to the telephone call of President Hamid Karzai to him after the attack and said that he requested him for ensuring the safety of all Indians.

PM said, “I assured him of any support and assistance that may be required.”