India condemns terror attack on Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester on Yom Kippur: ‘We stand in solidarity’

India on Thursday condemned a terror attack on Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester during Yom Kippur services, and termed it as yet another grim reminder of the challenge faced from the evil forces of terrorism.

Two people were killed, and a suspect was shot dead by police officers in a stabbing and car attack at a synagogue on the Jewish holy day. The police later declared it as ‘terrorist incident’.

“We condemn the terror attack on the Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester, during Yom Kippur services today. It is particularly saddening that this heinous act was committed on the International Day of Non-violence. This attack is yet another grim reminder of the challenge we face from the evil forces of terrorism, which the global community must combat and defeat through united and concerted action,” said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in a statement.

The MEA spokesperson stated that their thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the city of Manchester.

“We stand in solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom in this moment of grief,” Jaiswal added.

What did Greater Manchester Police say?

— We know today’s horrifying attack, on the Jewish community’s holiest day, will have caused significant shock and fear throughout all of our communities.

— We are grateful to the member of the public whose quick response to what they witnessed allowed our swift action, and as a result the offender was prevented from entering the synagogue.

— Two arrests had been made in what the force is now treating as a counter-terrorism investigation, said the Metropolitan Police Counter-Terrorism Command.

Who are the victims?

Police confirmed that two people were killed. Though their identities are not known, Greater Manchester Police said that the two people who died were “members of our Jewish community.”

Who was the suspect?

The unidentified suspect was killed by the police, who rushed to the scene after a witness report of an attack on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar.

Keir Starmer expresses shock

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was "appalled" and “absolutely shocked, adding, "We will do everything to keep our Jewish community safe."

Starmer said that additional police assets are being deployed to synagogues across the country.

"Earlier today, on Yom Kippur, the holiest day for the Jewish community, a vile individual committed a terrorist attack that attacked Jews because they are Jews, and attacked Britain because of our values," Reuters reported quoting Starmer.

The Prime Minister cut short his visit to the European Political Community summit in Denmark to return to Downing Street for an emergency security meeting.