Police inspect the site of the explosion that rocked the holy town of Varanasi
VARANASI: Home Minister P Chidambaram today 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 last 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,” 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 realize 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.
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.
“The attempt of terrorists is to disturb peace and they cannot succeed as long as the people remain peaceful and live in harmony,” Chidambaram said, adding people of different communities live in peace and harmony in localities near the blast site as well.
“This is the fourth incident of the type in Varanasi beginning in 2005, then at the Sankat Mochan temple in 2006, another at the Kutchery in 2007 but the last three years had been relatively peaceful”, he said, noting that 2009 had been free of terror attack in the country.
Chidambaram said he was hoping and praying that the year would come to an end without any incident.
“Last three years have been relatively peaceful. After 26/11 in Mumbai, 2009 was completely free of any terror attack. In 2010, we have had one terrorist incident in Pune in February and I was hoping and praying that the year will come to any end without another incident but unfortunately we have had this incident yesterday.”
The Minister, who arrived here this morning, offered his “deep” regret and “sincere” condolences to all those who suffered especially to Santosh Kumar Sharma, whose daughter was killed as a result of the blast.
Chidambaram said forensic experts have already inspected evidence at the crime scene and that another forensic team was also coming.
He said 31 injured were admitted to hospitals. “Nine were discharged after being given first aid. Of the 31, four are foreigners. Of the discharged two were foreigners.”
The Minister said the next step was to ensure the patients are provided proper treatment and compensation.
“We will take care of it when I go back to Delhi,” he said.
On UP government’s demand for additional forces, Chidambaram said security is a state matter and the Centre provides support only.
The state government has been provided with an additional battalion of security forces, while there is a CRPF battalion in Varanasi, he said.
-PTI
