NEWSLINKS US EDITION SOUTH ASIA COLUMNISTS DIARY SPECIALS INTERVIEWS CAPITAL BUZZ REDIFF POLL DEAR REDIFF THE STATES ELECTIONS ARCHIVES US ARCHIVES SEARCH REDIFF
Onkar Singh in New Delhi
The Minister of State for Home Affairs I D Swami on Tuesday admitted that the government was caught napping by the terrorist attack on Amarnath pilgrims in Nunwan base camp in the outskirts of Pahalgam in Anantnag district.
Speaking to the private television channel Aaj Tak, Swami admitted, "Yes, it is true that we had made elaborate security arrangements for the Amarnath pilgrims this year. We have still not got full details on the incident. It is evident that there must have been some security lapse. We are foxed by the attack."
He said that his ministry is awaiting details of the incident before he could comment further on the matter. "We have condemned the attack on innocent pilgrims," he added.
Meanwhile, the Congress spokesman S Jaipal Reddy has accused the government of watching as a 'helpless spectator doing nothing' to bring the situation under control in Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking to rediff.com Reddy said the government would have to account for the security lapse that allowed the terrorists to get away.
"This government is incapable of doing anything. Of course we are concerned about the loss of lives. It is time that we call the government to account for its inability to meet the terrorist challenge. The Congress party condemns the attack on the innocent pilgrims," Reddy said.
Ram Jethmalani, who has constituted a citizen's committee on Kashmir, condemned the attack. "These are the kind of people who do not want any solution to the problem of Jammu and Kashmir. Attacking the pilgrims is the worst crime against humanity," he said.
Back to top
Tell us what you think of this report
