Venkaiah Naidu appeals to all parties to speak in one voice on Gurdaspur terror attack

In wake of the gruesome terror attack in Punjab's border district of Gurdaspur, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu on Monday appealed to the opposition parties to speak in one voice and not politicise the matter.

"There should not be any politics in such matters, we should all speak with one voice. That is my appeal to the opposition parties. Fortunately many of the opposition parties have joined together in condemning this terrorist attack. It is unfortunate that the main opposition party, which has ruled the country for years together, has started disturbing those statements also," Naidu told mediapersons here.

"This is sending wrong signals. I appeal to them that on the issues of national security the entire country should speak with one voice, more so a senior party like Congress," he added.

He further said that the Central Government is extending all possible support to the Punjab Government to handle the situation.

"Government of India is in touch with Punjab Government and extending all the support that is required. The Home Minister has spoken to the Chief Minister of Punjab. Once the encounter is over, the government is willing to make a statement in the house and also to discuss the matter," he said.

Congress had earlier in the day questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence on the assurances given by his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif during their meeting in Ufa, Russia

Security has been enhanced across Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of the Gurdaspur terror attack, which has so far claimed the lives of 10 people, including six civilians.

Security has also been beefed up at the North and South Block.

Meanwhile, the Special Forces team has reached the location of the terror attack, which has been cordoned off.