New Delhi, Nov 3 (IANS): India Monday strongly condemned the "dastardly terrorist attack" near the Wagah border check post in Pakistan that has claimed 60 lives and left 120 injured, and said "there is no grievance or political goal so great, as to justify such a cowardly act".

In a statement, the government said: "Only the firmest and most comprehensive action against all terror groups without any distinction is the only way to defeat this evil scourge."

"India strongly condemns the dastardly terrorist attack against innocent civilians, mercilessly targeted by terrorists yesterday evening (Nov 2) at Wagah in Pakistan."

It said there was "no grievance or political goal so great as to justify such a cowardly act".

"We believe that only the firmest and most comprehensive action against all terror groups without any distinction is the only way to defeat this evil scourge," the government said.

"Our prayers will remain with the families of the victims, who we hope will be granted the courage and fortitude to overcome this irreparable loss that they have just suffered."

The terror attack took place when a young suicide bomber wearing a suicide vest blew himself up near the Wagah border check post Saturday evening as scores of men, women and children were returning from the daily flag lowering ceremony held at the border by the Pakistan Rangers and India's Border Security Force (BSF).

According to reports, the toll could go up as the condition of over a dozen of the injured is "very critical".

The responsibility for the attack was claimed separately by the Jundullah and Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan-affiliated Jamaat-ul-Ahrar outfits.