We nearly got terrorist, but for bad luck: Chidambaram

Union Home Minister P Chidambaram revealed on Friday that the Assam Police, acting on intelligence inputs from the Centre, had been within a whisker’s distance from foiling yesterday’s blasts in Guwahati. In fact, the state police also managed to reduce the intensity of the attack in at least one of the sites, as they had closed in on one of the terrorists.

Chidambaram said that the central intelligence agencies had credible information, which had been building up in the last few days, and the same had been shared with Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi.

“Assam Police knew of the person, name, face and family and had nearly got him, but he escaped…it was just that little bit of luck,” Chidambaram added.

The Home Minister added that the police had been so close on the heels on the perpetrator, that the militant was forced to flee in panic. He had then at the spur of the moment hurled the explosive device in a litter bin rather than planting it purposefully to maximise casualties. It was due the prompt action of the police that only two people had sustained injuries at this site.

However his two other associates had planted devices in two other parts of the city – Bhootnath and Munni Market- where more damage had been inflicted and more lives. Here too the fatalities were mainly caused due to fire in a shop that stored kerosene, which immediately caught fire. Most injuries were thus caused due to burns rather than being a direct consequence of the explosion.

On the follow up, the Home Minister elaborated that the Assam Police was in know of at least two of three culprits.

“I had word with the Director General of Police and he has assured me that they will be able to catch him,” Chidambaram said while referring to the terrorist, who had narrow escape and who has now been identified as Pranjal Dekka. The Police has also put out his sketch for information.

Chidambaram assured that the government is determined capture the perpetrators and that the terrorists would not be allowed any quarter.

On concerns about Bangladesh turning into a safe haven for terrorists, the Home Minister said that at least two organisations - United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) and National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB)- had received sanctuary in the country due to lack of an elected government. He however remained hopeful that after the change of guard in Dhaka, with Shaikh Hasina taking over, things would change for the better, especially in the light of some positive statements made by the Prime Minister-elect.

“Bangladesh has a Prime Minister-elect who is willing to fight terror and would not like terrorists to use its land as launching pad,” said Chidambaram.

Chidambaram was on his first visit to the state after taking charge last month and was speaking to media after his Unified Command meeting with Assam CM Tarun Gogoi.

Chidambaram said that broad guidelines have been given to Unified Command, comprising Army, paramilitary forces and state police, that it should have a more sharply focussed strategy.

Talking tough against terror outfits Chidambaram said, “Security forces have been told to deal firmly and decisively with terror outfits.” He further declared that every state would have an NSG hub.

On a broader perspective, Chidamabaram said that people in South Asia yearn for peace it is before you people of Bangladesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Maldives voted for peace and development.

Speaking over the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) Chidambaram said, “Decision of extension of ceasefire with NDFB would be taken in few days. The representatives of NDFB are in Delhi to have a dialogue about extending SO (Suspension of Operations). The ceasefire deadline between government and NDFB expired on December 31.

"Ceasefire should be observed in letter and spirit," he stressed.

"The leaders of banned organisations if they are listening as I speak now or read it in tomorrow's newspapers or watch television later in the day, they must get this clear message that security forces will deal decisively with the members of these banned organisations who threaten peace and integrity of India," he said.

On the ULFA, he said, "they have to drop their sovereignty demand. I have seen a change in the stance of its 'a' and 'c' companies (of the 28th battalion).

"I am examining them. The broad policy is that talks are held with anyone who abjures violence and makes no claim on sovereignty". Yesterday, Assam CM Tarun Gogoi had also pointed fingers at NDFB and a possible alignment between NDFB, ULFA and Bangladesh terrorists.