Government's laxity led to blasts: V P Singh

New Delhi, Apr 15 (UNI) Condemning the twin blasts at Jama Masjid as ''deplorable'', former Prime Minister V P Singh today alleged that the government's ''inaction and laxity'' led to the tragedy which was aimed at creating divisions among communities in the country.

While commending the authorities for handling the post blasts situation well, Mr Singh said the government should have taken appropriate action when a blast took place four months ago at the Masjid gate.

''Had proper steps been taken, keeping in view the threat perception, yesterday's blasts would not have occurred.'' The government should have been cautious and punished those involved in the 'plant' of the bomb near the masjid. This would have acted as a deterrent and the tragedy could have been avoided, he said.

However, the important and positive as ect was the maturity and sensibility displayed by the Imam and officials in handling the situation here, said Mr Singh.

''The same maturity was displayed by the 'mahant' of Sankat Mochan Temple in Varanasi during last month's blasts when he refused to allow Vinay Katiyar (BJP chief in Uttar Pradesh) to sit on a dharna within the mandir premises. Also, Muslim men and women joined the 'peace march' to express solidarity which was very encouraging.'' The pace with which the situation was brought under control, keeping in mind people's sentiments, was commendable and a positive development for the nation, he said.

''The way people in Varanasi and Delhi reacted to the blasts was a positive sign as we have no other alternative but to live together and in peace.'' Mr Singh also condemned the used of bulldozers and garbage vans in disposing of bodies and remains after the Meerut inferno. ''This is very painful and definitely not fair to people.'' ''Looking at all this, the people's anger was justified,'' he added.

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