State is to blame, says PM

MUMBAI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday blamed the state government for what he called, intelligence failure at the “micro level” in preventing Tuesday’s blasts that took 200 lives.

“On the macro level, we had information about the terrorist activities in the state about which we had informed the state. But information gathering on micro level was not sufficient,” Mr Singh said in a media meet in the presence of the chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh and his deputy, home minister RR Patil.

Emphasising the need for upgrading intelligence and technological capabilities, using electronic surveillance systems and strengthening communication and access control at vital installations, Mr Singh asked the state security agencies to keep its ears to the ground.

Lauding the Mumbai Police for their good work, he asked the constabulary to improve ground-level intelligence. Mr Singh stated that “terror modules exist in city” hinting at the failure of the local police to destroy them.

Answering a question on whether intelligence inputs were passed on to the state, the prime minister said, “Adequate warning was given and something big was being anticipated. But those who perpetrate terror have the advantage of surprise.”

Earlier, Mr Singh visited the victims at Sion and King Edward Memorial (KEM) hospitals to ensure them support. He went around various wards in both the hospitals and inquired about the condition of the injured.

He was accompanied by state governor SM Krishna, chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, Union home minister Shivraj Patil, Union agriculture minister Sharad Pawar, national security adviser MK Narayanan and other state government officials.