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Manmohan talks tough, warns neighbours

NEW DELHI: Asserting that the group which carried out the terrorist assault on Mumbai is “based outside the country,” Prime Minister Manmohan Singh warned the neighbouring countries that “there would be a cost if suitable measures are not taken by them” to prevent use of their territory for attacks against India.

In an address to the nation on Thursday evening, he talked tough. “We are not prepared to countenance a situation in which the safety and security of our citizens can be violated with impunity by terrorists.”

Dr. Singh promised the nation that the strongest possible measures would be taken to ensure that there was no repetition of such terrorist acts. “We are determined to take whatever measures are necessary to ensure the safety and security of our citizens.”

Indicating that his government may be finally overcoming its diffidence in meeting head-on the terrorist challenge, Dr. Singh said: “We will go after these individuals and organisations and make sure that every perpetrator, organiser and supporter of terror, whatever his affiliations or religion may be, pays a heavy price for these cowardly and horrific acts against our people.”

For good measure, the Prime Minister also suggested that his government would be prepared to use the National Security Act, as well as tighten laws to the disadvantage of the terrorist. He suggested that a federal investigation agency be “immediately set up.”

The Prime Minister sent out a stern message to anyone wanting to fish in Mumbai’s troubled waters and warned that “all concerned authorities are on alert and will deal sternly with any attempts to disturb the public order.”

Dr. Singh paid a pointed tribute to the “courage and patriotism” of the chief of the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad, Hemant Karkare, and his men who took the terrorists’ bullet.

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