India today deplored the use of force in Libya and expressed serious concern over loss of numerous lives. Expressing full respect for sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Libya, New Delhi also called on the Libyan authorities to cease fire, protect the civilian population and address the legitimate demands of the Libyan people. A statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs explaining India's absentation from the UN Security Council vote said, there is relatively little credible information on the situation on the ground in Libya. Moreover, New Delhi also do not have clarity about details of enforcement measures, including who and with what assets will participate and how these measures will be exactly carried out. It further said, the financial measures that are proposed in the UN resolution could impact the ongoing trade and investment activities of a number of member-states thereby adversely affecting the economic interests of the Libyan people and others dependent on these trade and economic ties. The statement said, all have to ensure that the measures will mitigate and not exacerbate an already difficult situation for the people of Libya.Moreover, the report of the special envoy appointed by the UN Secretary-General has yet to be made public. It, however stressed the importance of political efforts, including those of the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy, to address the situation.The Libyan Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Kaaim has said the military will not attack the rebel stronghold of Benghazi and remains committed to a ceasefire. He told reporters that the armed forces are now located outside the city of Benghazi and they have no intention of entering the city. He also renewed an invitation to Turkey, Malta and China to send observers to monitor the ceasefire. Kaaim also called on the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to send a fact-finding mission to Libya as soon as possible.Libya's eastern rebel stronghold of Benghazi is bracing for the worst after rumours that Moamar Gaddafi's troops were within striking distance of the Mediterranean city. Hundreds of men, some riding in pick-up trucks mounted with machine guns, flooded out of the city in response to a call from Benghazi's rebel-run radio to swiftly man their posts. Several loud explosions, some of them followed by anti-aircraft fire, were heard inside Benghazi. New checkpoints were set up as word spread that the Libyan forces could be on their way.