Search the Internet          Tips

'It is a continuing war: Advani

"The only reason for the attack is that the defeat of terrorist designs in Jammu and Kashmir led them to target a holy and sacred place where hundreds of innocent devotees had gathered," he told reporters after visiting the temple complex early this morning.

Earlier, the two terrorists were killed in an NSG Commando operation.

The terrorists apparently wanted to hold some of the trapped devotees hostage in a bid to bargain with authorities, Advani said, expressing relief that their possible aims had been thwarted. He remarked that the terrorists were perhaps perturbed over the fact that Indian democracy would be further strengthened after the successful and peaceful elections in Jammu and Kashmir which would raise India's position in the international arena.

Maintaining that about 28 people had been killed, Advani said timely action by the security forces prevented any damage to the temple.

Asked why the terrorists chose to attack the temple in Gujarat, he said, "There could be several reasons. Our enemy had even referred to the Gujarat issue at the United Nations. Investigations are on to find out the details about Tehreek-e-Kasas [an unknown group believed to be behind the attack, a letter from which was found from one of the slain terrorists]."

Advani said the terrorists had targeted the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Parliament House, Raghunath Temple and Kaluchak in Jammu, and added that the Swaminarayan Temple attack had been planned for some time.

"It is a continuing war in which there will be battle after battle," he said, adding New Delhi has to wage a war against terrorists.

PTI

The Temple Attack: Complete Coverage
The Swaminarayan sect

Back to top

Tell us what you think of this report