Punjab terror attack may break Parliament deadlock

NEW DELHI: The terror attack in Gurdaspur may become the starting point for ending the Parliament deadlock, as both the government and the Opposition are keen on debating about the internal security.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh will make a detailed statement in both Houses of Parliament, possibly on Wednesday, as Parliament would adjourn for the day on Tuesday after making obituary references to former president APJ Abdul Kalam.

Singh discussed the attack at a meeting with defence minister Manohar Parrikar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Monday evening.

“The Opposition wants a discussion on the issue of national security in the wake of the terrorist attack in Gurdaspur. We plan to set aside enough time for a debate on this issue in both Houses. This is likely to break the ice over functioning of Parliament and after the debate on internal security, discussions on other issues are likely to follow,” a senior Union minister said on condition of anonymity.

Government is looking at the attack as a breach of peace by Pakistan as the four terrorists are suspected to have come from across the border.

However, Congress and other Opposition parties have alleged major intelligence failure and blamed the Centre for it. Differences between BJP and its coalition partner SAD has made the task easier for the opposition. Punjab CM Parkash Badal has said that the Centre should be held responsible for intel failure.