PRAYER TIME: Union Railway Minister Lalu Prasad at the shrine of Lord Venkateswara in Tirumala on Monday. — PHOTO: PTI

TIRUMALA: Union Railway Minister Lalu Prasad on Monday categorically stated that terrorism in the country could be rooted out with the co-operation of the public. The Railway Minister who was reacting to a question regarding the Mumbai train blasts said that after the 7/11 incident, the Central Government has decided to deal with terrorism with an iron hand.

Dwelling further, he said security has been intensified at all important railway stations, besides equipping the security personnel with sophisticated gadgets. Bomb disposal and dog squads also have been pressed into service.

Vande Mataram

When asked for his reaction regarding the Vande Mataram controversy, he quipped that every individual has his own likes and dislikes. When pressed for his opinion, he simply said the purpose for which he had come has been accomplished.

Earlier, Lalu who reached the temple town in the wee hours of Monday was accorded a warm reception at the main entrance of the temple and received with traditional temple honours. Prominent among others who received him included TTD Executive Officer A.P.V. Narayana Sarma, Special Officer A.V. Dharma Reddy and other officials.

Reacting to a memorandum presented by local MLA Venkataramana, he said all possible steps will be initiated to convert the Tirupati railway station into a model station.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail