National
`Crossing LoC an option'
By Our Special Correspondent
HYDERABAD, DEC. 17. The Union Minister for Rural Development, Mr. M. Venkaiah Naidu, said that crossing the Line of Control (LoC) to smash terrorist camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) was one of the options before India to deal with the problem of terrorism.
Addressing a press conference here today, he said U.N. laws permitted nations the right to hot pursuit across their borders to nab terrorists. However, the Government would seek the advice of the armed forces and Intelligence agencies before initiating any action.
Mr. Naidu said he agreed with the Congress leader, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, that the Opposition must be taken into confidence before crossing the LoC. The Government would, in fact, take the entire nation into confidence. ``All options are being discussed,'' he added.
He appealed to all Opposition parties to allow both the Houses of Parliament to run smoothly and raise the level of debate on terrorism to new heights. ``We hope that the Opposition will understand the feelings of people and desist from politicking. People are already unhappy with the Congress Working Committee's statement describing the terrorist attack on Parliament as a monumental security failure''.
The Government was ready for discussion on any issue, including the so-called scam in the purchase of coffins for Kargil victims. But, the Opposition must realise that this was not the time for quarrelling but for sending out a strong message to terrorists that people would not brook any attack on India's sovereignty.
Mr. Naidu said the entire nation would be watching how Parliament would function tomorrow and how various parties would conduct themselves to face an extraordinary situation which was prevented from developing into a catastrophe by the timely action by Delhi Police, the CRPF and the watch and ward staff of Parliament.
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