‘Blast occurred despite intelligence inputs’

Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Wednesday regretted that the bomb blast in the Delhi High Court complex occurred despite the Delhi Police remaining on high alert after intelligence inputs on threats from some groups were given to them in July.

“At this stage, it is not possible to identify the group that caused the bomb blast today [Wednesday],” he told Parliament.

Asserting that the government would never be intimidated by terror groups, Mr. Chidambaram said it was determined to track down the perpetrators of “this horrific crime and bring them to justice.” He appealed to Parliament and the people of the country to remain resolute and united at this point of time. “We must not show any vacillation.”

Making identical statements with “profound sorrow and regret” in the Lok Sabha as well as the Rajya Sabha, he said: “Delhi is a target of terrorist groups. When Parliament is in session and during certain other times of the year, Delhi is placed on high alert.”

“Intelligence agencies constantly share…inputs with the Delhi Police. Intelligence pertaining to threats emanating from certain groups was shared with the Delhi Police in July 2011,” Mr. Chidambaram said.

The objective of terror groups, he said, was to strike fear among the people and destabilise the country. “We are clear in our mind that there is no cause that will justify terrorist acts. The government unequivocally condemns the terrorist attack that took place today [Wednesday].”