By IANS,
Mumbai : Here is a compilation of remarks by political leaders and others on the terrorist strikes in Mumbai and the commando operation to counter them and free hostages:
Minister of State for Home Sri Prakash Jaiswal:
“Our coastal security is not as strong as it should be. All state governments and the central government should work together for strengthening the coastal security. Without the state governments’ support, this is not possible.”
Science and Technology Minister Kapil Sibal:
“We never imagined that this sort of infiltration will take place in such a meticulous fashion. There must be accountability at all levels.”
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader L.K. Advani:
“Just before leaving for Mumbai at 4 p.m. (Thursday), I was told the prime minister had changed his mind and would follow a little later. I then suggested we could meet at a pre-arranged spot during our respective visits so that my appeal for a united response to the terrorist challenge could become a visible message to the people. Although I was told that we would be informed about the venue of such a meeting in Mumbai, I received no word thereafter.
“I said in my statement yesterday morning that the prime minister suggested he and I should go to Mumbai together later in the day. I had readily agreed, deferring my own departure plan. However, in the afternoon I was told that it would be better if we went on Friday, as the commando operation was not over.”
Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh:
He praised the National Security Guard (NSG) commandos, but lashed out at Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi for visiting the site of the operation. “We had told him (Modi) not to come and a similar request was also made to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Singh, seeing the situation, accepted our request. No one should try to take political advantage of such terror attacks.”
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi:
“I have come here to pay my respects to the brave and patriotic police officers and security men who laid down their lives fighting the terrorists. My government will provide compensation of Rs.10 million for all their families.
“The country had a lot of expectations from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s speech (address to the nation) Thursday in such a time of crisis. However, the speech did not have much to offer.”
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MP Jai Singh Gaikwad, who had to spend 40 hours in the Taj Mahal Hotel, after terrorists attacked it:
“My laptop was with me. I chalked out eight of my election campaign plans. We were told to shut (our rooms) from inside when the firing started. First the hotel security talked to us, then the Maharashtra police came and then the NSG (National Security Guard). We were quite comfortable inside.”
Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama:
“The scale of attacks in Mumbai was unprecedented in the history of India.”