Security lapse led to attack, admits BJP in charge

Top of Form

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, February 16

BJP Jammu and Kashmir in charge Suhkminder Pal Singh Grewal today admitted to a security lapse which led to the killing of 42 jawans of the CRPF in Pulwama.

When questioned on how an explosives-laden vehicle could be on highway despite strong security and whether he admitted the attack was an intelligence failure, Grewal said, “We concede that terrorists could not have entered the area unless there was a security lapse. On the very day of the incident, the Governor took note of the incident and ordered that the lapse be looked into. The issue is under investigation by the Centre and agencies, and within a couple of days, strong action is going to be taken by the Government of India.”

Speaking on the delay in response despite warnings of an imminent attack in the valley and also intelligence reports of the strengthening of the militant outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed, Grewal said, “I was myself at the native village of Zakir Musa for several months during which time regular alerts about his being in various places of Punjab were coming in. It is very difficult to tell the whereabouts of terrorists, but within a short time, the Centre shall provide a befitting reply to the perpetrators of the terror attack.”

Bottom of Form