Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has said stringent measures will be taken to prevent terror acts in future. Speaking to Prasar Bharati correspondent during his three-hour-long visit to blast-stricken Hyderabad, he said it is the time to maintain calm and peace. Expressing solidarity with the people of Hyderabad, he lauded them for refusing to be provoked by the nefarious act of terror.

He visited the critically injured persons and their family members at the Intensive Care Units of two private corporate hospitals. He enquired about the condition of others and wished them speedy recovery. He also consoled some of the family members of the victims who were killed in Thursday’s twin blasts. Stating that he shares their pain and grief, the Prime minister has assured all possible help to them.

Dr Singh visited both the blast sites near Konarka Theatre and a bus stop and enquired about the manner in which the ghastly incident occurred. The Prime Minister has been briefed on the occasion about the progress made so far in the probe into twin blasts which claimed 16 lives and injured 117 others. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy and the state Director General of Police Dinesh Reddy have informed the Prime Minister about obtaining some clear clues from the Closed Circuit TV Cameras located at the blast site. They also reportedly exuded confidence that the case will be cracked soon. Before leaving for Delhi, Dr Singh has asked the Chief Minister to evolve a mechanism to provide employment to those who were disabled in Thursday’s twin blasts.

Earlier, the Prime Minister was received at Begumpet airport on his arrival from Delhi by state Governor E S L Narasimhan and Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy, several central and state ministers and a host of senior officials. Meanwhile, the investigation into the twin blasts gathered further momentum today.