Chidambaram defends 'saffron terror' remarks

New Delhi, Sep 1 (ANI): Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on Wednesday defended his 'saffron terror' remarks saying the message has brought home the message of right-wing terrorism and the purpose has been served.

"These are religious fundamentalist groups. The message ought not to be lost in phrases. Perhaps the use of that phrase has brought the message home. So, the purpose, in a way, has been served," said Chidambaram.

"There are a number of others who have used the phrase. I have also noted that a couple of other colleagues of mine in the UPA have said that they have used the phrase in the past. So, I cannot claim a patent on that phrase," he added.

Earlier on August 27, the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiv Sena staged protests in the Rajya Sabha over Chidambaram's statement on the rise in "saffron terrorism", leading to two adjournments in proceedings of the House.

Addressing Senior police officers of States here on August 25, Chidamabaram had said a new phenomenon of saffron terrorism has been uncovered in many bomb blasts"There is no let up in the attempts to radicalise young men and women in India. Besides, there is the recently uncovered phenomenon of saffron terrorism that has been implicated in many bomb blasts of the past."

"The phenomenon does not mean that the threat of terrorist attacks has gone away," he added. (ANI)