UPA weakened fight against terror: Rajnath Singh

 

New Delhi, July 31  Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday asked all political parties to present a united front to the world against terrorism, even as he trained guns at the erstwhile Congress-led UPA government for "weakening" the fight against terror.

"Neither the country, nor parliament should look divided on terrorism which is the biggest challenge to the country," Rajnath Singh said while making a statement in the Lok Sabha on the July 27 Gurdaspur terrorist attack.

He said the previous UPA government had coined "Hindu terror" which has weakened India's stand on terrorism.

"I would like to ask everyone how a new term of 'Hindu terror' was invented to divert attention a few years back. Even Pakistan applauded them."

The minister said the government was ready for any discussion on terrorism and he was willing to answer any question.

The minister said while on the one hand security personnel were laying down their lives to counter such attacks, on the other hand members were creating a ruckus while the issue was being discussed.

Rajnath Singh's comments came as opposition parties created a din over the Lalit Modi controversy and the Vyapam scam in the Lok Sabha.

Opposition members, however, stopped their protests when the minister was making his statement, but were back near the speaker's podium as soon as he finished.

In his statement, Rajnath Singh gave details of the attack and said Punjab Police made every possible effort during the operation.

"Three AK 47 rifles, 19 magazines, two GPS systems and a large amount of ammunition was recovered from them," he said.

He said preliminary data recovered from the GPS showed that the terrorists had crossed over from Pakistan.

"The government is committed to deal with terrorists strongly," he added.

The minister said though the security forces guarding the border were alert, it was a difficult terrain due to recent heavy rains which have resulted in excess flow in the rivers and canals along the border.

He added that these could have been the factors because of which the terrorists were able to sneak into Punjab.