US praises India's 'great courage'

WASHINGTON: The US has praised India for showing 'great resolve and courage' in the face of extremist threats and vowed to stand by it in the fight against terror.

In a formal statement condemning the terror attacks in Hyderabad that left at least 42 people dead, the State Department said there was no justification for killing innocent people.

"India has shown great resolve and courage in the face of extremist threats. We continue to stand by the Indian people in the fight against terror," Acting Spokesman Tom Casey said on Sunday evening.

"We condemn the attacks that occurred in Hyderabad.... Our hearts and prayers are with the people of India. There is no justification for harming and killing innocent people," the statement said.

"The Indians are our friends and allies. Inciting violence and committing violence against innocent people is never acceptable," a State Department official had told earlier.

"Those who engage in terrorist activities seek only to foster fear and limit freedom. We will continue to work with the Indian people to eliminate terrorist threats," the official added.
    
At least 42 people, including five women and seven students, were killed and 50 injured in two explosions at a crowded park and a popular eatery in Hyderabad on Saturday evening.