Expressing shock over the terrorist attack in Mumbai claiming about 100 lives, Indian industry today demanded tougher laws along with "stronger and firmer" leadership to tackle terrorism.

The industry leaders, including heads of the apex chambers, said the country needs to be on a high alert since its institutions are becoming vulnerable to the terrorists' attacks.

Condemning the killer attacks in India's financial capital, HDFC Chairman Deepak Parekh said, 'Blasts are bad for investor confidence.'

Demanding stringent laws to deal with terrorists, FICCI President Rajeev Chandrasekhar said, "It is time we all join this debate on terrorism and demand stronger and firmer leadership and approach to this threat of terrorism, including better laws."

He said the Indian business has so far been 'mute and very detached from this debate on terrorism and tougher approach to terrorism and terrorists, including anti-terror laws'.

The Times of India