New Delhi:
External Affairs Minister SM Krishna on Monday spoke to US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton regarding the shooting incident at a Wisconsin gurudwara that left seven people dead and requested for a full and prompt investigation in a bid to give a strong message of reassurance to the Indian community regarding their security and welfare.
He also requested strengthening of security at places of worship during a telephonic conversation with Ms Clinton, who is currently in South Africa, official sources said.
Ms Clinton was "receptive" to Mr Krishna's views and assured all assistance in the matter, they said. Mr Krishna also conveyed his sincere appreciation for quick and brave response by local authorities in averting a worse tragedy.
"The minister hoped for a strong message of reassurance to the Indian community that everything necessary for their security and welfare would be done," the sources said.
Condemning the incident, Mr Krishna told reporters, "Every right thinking person has to condemn this. This is an attitude which does not fit into the proclaimed policies of the US."
Mr Krishna said the motive and the persons responsible for the attack on the gurudwara would be revealed in the preliminary report of the investigating agency.
To a question on gun culture in the US, the minister said the US authorities will have to take a comprehensive look at these kinds of tendencies. However, Krishna was quick to add that India would not interfere in the internal affairs of the US.
At least one gunman was also shot dead in the attack on the gurudwara, police said.