UP govt missed 'specific' terror warning: Chidambaram

Dec 08, 2010 |

Varanasi

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Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Wednesday said a specific advisory was given in February identifying Dashashwamedh Ghat here as a possible terror target and that there could have been some laxity on the part of the police that led to the blast on Tuesday evening.

After a visit to the blast spot and the hospitals where he consoled the injured, the minister told reporters that he was not here for indulging in a blame-game but maintained that it was primarily the responsibility of the state government to deal with law and order.

"We had cautioned all state governments that in the run up to 26/11 and 6/12 anniversaries, we can expect threats from terrorists. In fact, as far as UP is concerned, a specific advice was given on February 25, 2010 that the Dashashwamedh Ghat was one of the targets. So this area had been identified as a possible target in February 2010," Mr Chidambaram said.

"I am not here to do a 'jugalbandi' to blame anyone but specific advisories were given.... It is for the government of UP to realise that it is first the responsibility of the state government to maintain law and order. Police and public order are state subjects," he said.

However, he added it would not be possible to give pin-point intelligence in advance about any incident. He said on December 5, on the eve of the anniversary of Babri Masjid demolition, another advisory was given to remain on alert.

"I think the police made some arrangements. But I think what has happened is that because the 'arti' takes place every night throughout the year, there may have been some kind of laxity. One may have assumed that it has been peaceful for so many weeks and so many months and that it would remain peaceful.

"I have always said there is no scope for relaxing the vigil. Unfortunately, despite the presence of the platoon, somebody was able to plant an IED in the Sheetla Ghat (close to Dashashwamedh Ghat). I think there is a lesson for the police. There is no question of relaxing the vigil on any day. Everyday is a new day," the Minister said.

Mr Chidambaram, however, had a word of praise for the doctors treating the injured and said excellent medical facilities were provided to them. He also lauded the people of the city for maintaining calm after the blast that killed a child and left 31 injured.

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