Left demands Lalu makes statement on rail attacks in NE

New Delhi, Nov 27 (UNI) Taking a serious view of the rising number of terrorist attacks in trains and railway stations in the North-East, the CPI(M) today demanded Rail Minister Lalu Prasad make a statement in Parliament on the issue and adequate compensation be given to the several victims.

Referring to the terrorist attacks in Asom on October 6 and 9 which also claimed the lives of 11 CRPF personnel, CPI(M) Floor leader in the Lok Sabha Basudeb Acharia said the increased militant activities were ''causing havoc'' to the progress of major rail projects, including the Lamding-Silchar broad gauge project and the Agartala-Momarghata project.

Addressing a press conference in the precincts of Parliament, the CPM leader said it was unfortunate that the Railway minister had not yet made any announcement of compensation for the victims, who included many poor people.

''The Minister had made an immediate announcment of compensation for those killed in the blasts in the Mumbai suburban trains,'' Mr Acharia said, adding that what was needed urgently included proper compensation, more protection of the 1000-km-long rail track, and strict checking and inspection among other things.

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