Mumbai blasts: BJP questions govt's anti-terrorism policies

In the wake of Mumbai blasts, the BJP today faulted government's policies to deal with terrorism post 26/11, saying they were "lopsided" and lacked a tough anti-terror law, while stressing that the party would push for evolving national consensus on tackling the menace.

Senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley, attacking the UPA for "slackness" in security set, also criticised government's resolve to keep on holding talks with Pakistan when "terrorism continues to be an instrument of state policy of the country."

Addressing a meeting of BJP workers here, Jaitley termed yesterday's Mumbai explosions as "an attack on India's security" and wondered why the government has failed to stop recurrence of such strikes despite the financial capital being a regular target of terrorists.

"It has become a custom (rewaj) for the terrorists to attack the financial capital of India. The terrorists know that attacking Mumbai would send a strong message across the world," he said.

"No one should say that the attacks took place after nearly three years.... That cannot be an excuse. Not a single incident had taken place in the US after the 9/11." he said.

Pointing fingers at Indian Mujaheedin, he said the impression that it was a homegrown outfit was wrong as it was "externally created and externally supported".

Questioning why counter-terrorism measures announced after 26/11 were not effective, he said the situation in the "neighbourhood" was a matter of great concern and all the political parties must agree on a national policy to combat terrorism and "speak in one voice".

He also criticised the government for cotinuing dialogue with Pakistan, saying talks would not bear any fruit if that country does not stop supporting the terror groups targeting India.