Sibal, NSA take exception to Advani's remarks on internal security

Hannover, Apr 23 (UNI) Science and Technology Minister Kapil Sibal and National Security Adviser M K Narayanan have taken exception to Mr L K Advani's recent reported remarks that the internal security situation in the country was grave, saying the former Deputy Prime Minister should look at his own performance when he was the Deputy Prime Minister and the Home Minister.

''The situation is not grave by any stretch of imagination...I have seen much graver periods,'' Mr Narayanan told reporters on board the Prime Minister's special Air India flight yesterday while on way to Germany.

Mr Sibal, who is also part of the Prime Minister's delegation, said ''I am amused by Mr Advani's statement because it comes from a person who spoke of hot pursuit and pro-active policy but was quite inactive.'' Terming as ''unfortunate'' the remarks of Mr Advani made during his ongoing ''Bharat Suraksha Yatra'', Mr Narayanan said the UPA Government had been able to check the spread of ''jehadi'' terrorism, as was demonstrated by its actions in Delhi, Hyderabad and Bangalore after some terrorist incidents.

Mr Narayanan acknowledged that Naxalism did pose a threat to the country's security. The Prime Minister, he said, was extremely concerned over the Naxalite violence. He had recently held a meeting with the Chief Ministers of Naxal affected states.

Mr Sibal said Mr Advani might be making such statements since his yatra was not attracting large crowds.

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