We have some leads but it’s long haul: PM

There are some leads into the Delhi High Court blast but it’s still too early to say which group is responsible for the attack, said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on his way back from Dhaka to Delhi after his two-day visit to Bangladesh.

Singh called for a national consensus on issues related to terrorism rather than “wasting time in mutual accusation and acrimony.” He added: “The terrorist groups are taking advantage of our weaknesses...This is a war we will and must win. We must work hard to overcome these weaknesses.”

Asked if the Government had a timeframe for plugging these ‘weaknesses,’ the PM said that after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, several innovative anti-terrorist measures - and mechanisms - had been put in place. The Home Minister prepares a monthly status report on internal security and the progress made, he said.

“But obviously there are weaknesses of which the terrorist are taking advantage,” he said. “I will be the last one to claim that everything has been achieved. We have an unfinished agenda on this. We have approved designs and projects which are being put in place. It is only a matter of time that these are put in place.”

On Parliament, he said: “I have a sincere belief that all political parties should make an internal introspection with regard to such loss. Because of constant disruption, the government is not being able to put together its legislative agenda.”

Earlier, in Dhaka, addressing a gathering at Dhaka University he said both India and Bangladesh are vulnerable to forces of extremism and terrorism. “Such forces sap the strength of our societies, threaten our state systems and impede our progress. It is therefore of paramount importance that we work together to confront this challenge.” He added: “I would like to acknowledge the immense cooperation India has received from Bangladesh in this area, which is in the interest of both India and Bangladesh.”

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed her ‘profound shock and outrage’ over the attack and said that any act of terrorism is ‘unacceptable’ and ‘unjustifiable’.