Delhi terror target, had input in July: Chidambaram
NEW DELHI: Hours after the high intensity blast outside the Delhi High Court,juicy couture outlet Union home minister P Chidambaram said that Delhi was a target for terrorist groups, admitting that the incident had taken place even though the Capital was on high alert. He also said that intelligence had been shared with the Delhi Police in July.
Speaking in Parliament, Chidambaram said, “Intelligence pertaining to threats emanating from certain groups was shared with Delhi Police in July 2011. At this stage it is not possible to identify the group that caused the bomb blast today.”
Sources in the home ministry, privy to the intelligence alert sent to the Delhi Police in July, later said that although the input talked about “imminent” threat to the Capital, it did not mention the ‘places’ or any specific ‘terror group’.
Making identical statements, with “profound sorrow and regret”, in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, Chidambaram noted that when Parliament is in session and during certain other times of the year, the Capital is placed on high alert.
He, however, added that the government would not be intimidated by terrorist groups and was “determined to track down the perpetrators of this horrific crime and bring them to justice.”
Observing that the objective of terrorist groups was to strike fear and to destabilise the country, the minister said, “We are clear in our mind that there is no cause that will justify terrorist acts. Government unequivocally condemns the terrorist attack that took place today.”
Appealing to Parliament and the country to “remain resolute and united” at this point of time, he said, “We must not show any vacillation. We shall never be intimidated by terrorist groups.”
The minister’s statement was followed by leaders from major political parties expressing their solidarity with the blast victims, condemning the incident and demanding strong action against the culprits so that it acts as a deterrent.
In the Rajya Sabha, Leader of Opposition Arun Jaitley expressed his sense of “anger”, saying there seemed to be a “kind of helpless situation” where terrorist groups can strike at will. He said: “I stand here with a sense of anger, not because it is aimed at any individual or the government but the kind of helpless situation that we are pushed into… Terrorist groups can strike at will.”
He said everyone should speak in one language on the issue while showing deep concern over the situation and determination in acting against terrorism. The guilty should be brought to book, he said, and underlined the need for further strengthening of the security system.
Expressing “anger” and “anguish”, CPM member Sitaram Yechury said India cannot afford to give an impression that human life here is cheaper than other places in the world. “We cannot afford to give this message,” he said and emphasised that “zero tolerance” that is repeatedly talked about “should come into action” so that there is deterrence.
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