In an unprecedented move, the New York State Legislative Assembly has condemned the "horrific" terrorist in Mumbai and expressed "steadfast" solidarity with the victims.
"Freedom and the future security and peace of our State, Nation and entire world are dependent on immediate halting of cruel acts" being perpetrated by terrorists, it said.
Stating that the residents of New York have first hand knowledge of the effects of terrorism, the Assembly recognized the people of India who, it said, have emerged as "heroes" in the wake of the terror attacks.
"It is the sense of this Assembled body to stand up to the heinous and unprovoked terrorist attacks. Their consummate strength proves that power of hope will always endure and inspire in the darkest circumstances," stated a resolution adopted by it.
Indian Consul General Prabhu Dayal was specially invited to attend the session on the occasion. Mentioning him by name, the resolution expressed to him the Assembly's "unequivocal" support to all those affected by the attacks.
Noting that people of all ethnic groups, including westerners and locals, were among the dead and injured, the resolution especially mention the attack in the Chabad House in which "nine innocent Jewish lives" were taken.
In this context, the Assembly paid tribute to Indian nanny Sandra Samuel who "without regard for her own well being" grabbed a baby and ran out to safety. She had saved the two-year-old son Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg who along with his wife was killed by the terrorists.
Earlier, the New Jersey State Assembly had adopted a similar resolution.