Chidambaram warns about terror attack during polls

Hinting at intelligence inputs about the possibility of terrorist attacks during the forthcoming polls, Home Minister P Chidambaram on Wednesday said that militants might attempt to do something 'dramatic' during election time.

"We have specific intelligence about the movement of people. In the run up to te elections, there will be great temptation to attempt something dramatic," the home minister said on the possibility of terrorist attacks during elections.

Chidambaram added that counter-terrorism measures were being taken to check the terrorists' plans to carry out attacks and every piece of intelligence was being taken 'seriously' by the government.

He said that the government did not have much confidence in the Pakistani system but was giving 'room' to Pakistan to take action against terrorists there.

Chidambaram termed the allegations in Pakistan -- claiming India's involvement in the attack on Sri Lankan cricketers -- as 'rubbish'.

"I don't think we need to take these irresponsible statements seriously. It is in Pakistan's own interest to dismantle the terror infrastructure. The sooner they act, the better it is for Pakistan and the subcontinent," he said.

On Pakistan's suggestions about the similarities between the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and the Lahore attack, he said, "If there are glaring similarities, they should investigate those whom they have arrested or detained for the Mumbai attacks. Masterminds are in Pakistan, not in India."

When asked about the impact of the existence of failed states in the neighbourhood, Chidambaram said, "We have to simply raise our level of preparedness and respond swiftly and decisively. It will mean more human resources deployed for security, more money put into security, and to be eternally vigilant."