Govt. must explain Red Fort security lapse: Cong.

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, DEC. 25. Prompted by the attack at Red Fort by Pakistan- backed militants two days ago, the Congress has alleged that the Government did not take adequate security measures to prevent terrorists from carrying out activities designed to sabotage the peace process.

Mr. Madhavrao Scindia, deputy leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha, has demanded an explanation from the Government for the ``serious breach of security'' which has dealt a ``psychological blow'' to our national sentiments.

The fact that the Red Fort was under protection of the Army has highlighted the ``gross failure of various security and intelligence agencies which have been working at cross purposes,'' Mr. Scindia said.

He has noted that the Red Fort is an important symbol of our national pride, it has been the venue of many a historic event before and after Independence, and an attack at the Red Fort has shocked the entire country.

While the Congress has welcomed the Government's peace initiative in Kashmir, it has been pointing out that this must be accompanied with careful planning. The attack by the Lashkar-e- Taiba in the heart of the capital has ``confirmed our apprehensions'' that the Government has not taken adequate steps to prevent terrorists from attacking even high security areas like the Red Fort,'' Mr. Scindia said.

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