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Advani suspects foreign hand in anti-Christian violence

Union Home Minister Lal Kishenchand Advani today did not rule out the possibility of the involvement of anti-India elements in the recent attacks on Christians in various parts of the country. He stressed the need for a thorough investigation into the incidents.

Inaugurating a meeting of chief secretaries, home secretaries and directors-general of police of different states on internal security, the home minister said it was mainly the state governments' responsibility to get to the truth behind the attacks.

"These incidents do not appear to be emanating from any tension between various communities. The possibility of anti-India elements trying to create disaffection in society and give the country a bad name cannot be ruled out," he said.

He termed the recent attacks on churches as disturbing, especially since some of these had taken place in areas that had no previous history of communal violence.

The day-long conference on internal security is a prelude to the chief ministers' conference to be held in New Delhi in August to discuss the entire gamut of internal security, including terrorism, communal violence etc.

Stressing the need for greater interaction between state governments and the centre on matters of internal security on a regular basis, the home minister said it was essential that a multi-pronged strategy was followed and concerted and co-ordinated efforts made at all levels.

He called for a time-bound, well-defined strategy to bolster the state police forces. He suggested revamping state intelligence agencies and dovetailing their efforts with that of the central intelligence organisations.

The home minister stressed the need for greater vigil along the borders and participation of border population in border management as almost all problems of internal security originated from across the border, whether it was terrorism, smuggling, infiltration of mercenaries and illegal immigrants or fake currency. He said there was a need to replace old laws to deal with crimes against the state.

"The epicentre of religious fundamentalism has come to stay in our neighbourhood. The government of Pakistan, through the Inter Services Intelligence, its defence forces, agents and mercenaries, is waging a proxy war against India. Their aim is not confined to annexation of Jammu and Kashmir but dismemberment of our country," he said.

UNI

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