NEW DELHI, Nov 27, 2008 (AFP) - India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday appealed to the country to "maintain peace and harmony" in the wake of coordinated Islamist militant attacks in the economic capital Mumbai.

"In this hour of tragedy, I appeal to the people to maintain peace and harmony so that the enemies of our country do not succeed in their nefarious designs," Singh said in a televised address to the nation.

"All concerned authorities are on alert and will deal sternly with any attempts to disturb public order," he said.

"I am confident that the people of India will rise unitedly to face this grave challenge to the nation's security and integrity."