Prime Minister Manmohan Singh [Images] has condemned the cynical and pre meditated attack on innocent people in Delhi on Saturday.

Dr Singh, who returned from Kolkata around half past midnight made a small statement at 7, Race Course Road, after holding deliberations with Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil, Home Secretary V K Duggal and Delhi Police Commissioner K K Paul.

After the meeting Dr Singh said he learned about the attack in the capital on his arrival in Kolkata after a days trip to Tripura.

"I decided immediately that this situation required my presence in the capital and I cut short my engagements in Kolkata on Sunday, and returned to Delhi," Dr Singh said.

"I share shock and distress of all those affected by these blasts and my heart grieves with those who have lost their loved ones," he said.

He appealed to the people to remain calm, not to panic and go about their activities normally.

The government will take all possible measures to maintain law and order and defeat the forces of terror.

Unlike Patil and Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dixit who refrained from dubbing the incident as a terrorist act, Dr Singh minced no words.

"These dastardly acts of terrorism are aimed at the people of India. These blasts have been timed to create disaffection during the festive season when people of all communities are celebrating our national festivals. We shall defeat their nefarious designs and not allow them to suceed," he said.

The prime minister said he would not be in a position to share information when asked if any terrorist group had claimed responsibility for the act.

He refuse to comment when asked whether the terrorists were striking those nations which were going along with the United States like Spain and Indonesia.

Dr Singh said the people of India have the will, capacity and the resolution to win the war against terror despite the fact that the terrorists wish to spread the essence of fear and suspicion among peace-loving people.