Tripura royal family demands 'hitting back' at terrorist

Agartala, Oct 4 (UNI) In a belated reaction the Tripura Royal family today condemned the October one serial blasts in Agartala and called for 'hot pursuit' of the terrorists across the border.

A release here said if the authorities' statement that a foreign hand was involved was true then India has to 'hit back' because the state has been an example of peaceful coexistence and communal harmony for centuries.

''We believe that hot pursuit of the terrorists across borders is necessary and pre-emptive steps should be taken so that these people think twice before targeting our innocent civilians,'' Maharaj Pradyot Kishor Debbarma underlined.

He also pointed out that the blasts in the Palace compound was the first ever attack and happening in the 'Raj Andar' and not in the Government section of the Palace raised many questions.

''This also is the only blast which took place in an area which is never crowded and its intention was not to create human casualties. This I think is a clear message sent to us,'' the Maharaj said and warned that the attack on the Palace and Tripura would "not go unanswered".

''Their attack on us (Royal family) has only made our resolve stronger and I challenge them to openly confront us. You cannot subdue our love and our connection with the people of Tripura and our resolve in tackling all forms of evils,'' he asserted.

He urged all political parties not to blame each other and unitedly fight terror.

The serial blasts had left 80 people injured.

UNI BB PL RD 1149