Former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee urged Indian government not to suspend peace talks with Pakistan following a terrorist attack near a controversial temple in Ayodhya. He said attack in Ayodhya in northern state of Uttar Pradesh was a part of larger design and blamed it on lapses in security.
Vajpayee, speaking in his constituency of Lucknow, 135km from Ayodh, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) that India should suspend peace talks with Pakistan because a suspected terrorist group carried out the attack.
"Ayodhya attack is part of a larger design. The government should investigate how terrorists were able to enter the high security complex,' Vajpayee told reporters.
"There is some indication of shortcomings in the security arrangements."
Vajpayee, credited with launching fresh peace moves with Pakistan in April 2003, disagreed with the VHP demand to put an end to the talks. "We do not agree with this demand', said Vajpayee.
"There is no need to bring changes in policy but existing policies should be effectively acted on. The arrangements should be strong and we should be prepared for all contingencies.'
Indian government was responsible for the entire country, he said.
There could be no misunderstanding about security arrangements though two separate units were responsible for maintaining security in Ayodhya.
"The state and central governments should join forces to combat terrorism. The entire nation has to wake up. The incident is a warning for the entire country and government should not let its guard down thinking terror has abated.'
Main Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party President Lal Krishna Advani said it was "surprising that terrorists could enter one of India's most secure complexes armed with AK-47 rifles. It is a matter of deep concern.'
Comments
Comments are closed.