Cabinet Passes Resolution Calling Delhi Car Explosion a ‘Terror Incident’
New Delhi: The lethal car explosion near the Red Fort in Delhi on Monday was a “terrorist incident”, the Union cabinet has said in a resolution passed on Wednesday (November 12) evening, even as the government or its agencies had not confirmed a terror-related motive behind the incident over the last 48 hours.
In a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the cabinet expressed its “profound grief over the loss of lives in the terrorist incident” and observed a two-minute silence in memory of those who were killed. The explosion, which had stunned the country and led to police in various states being put on high alert, is believed to have killed at least 13 people.
The cabinet began its resolution by noting that “the country has witnessed a heinous terror incident, perpetrated by anti-national forces”.
Condoling the deaths from the explosion and praying for the prompt recovery of those injured, the cabinet said it “unequivocally condemns this dastardly and cowardly act that has led to the loss of innocent lives”.
It added that it “reiterates India's unwavering commitment to a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism in all its forms and manifestations”.
“The Cabinet directs that the investigation into the incident be pursued with the utmost urgency and professionalism so that the perpetrators, their collaborators and their sponsors are identified and brought to justice without delay. The situation continues to be closely monitored at the highest levels of the government,” it said.
The top decision-making body did not elaborate on the suspected motive behind the “terrorist incident” or if any perpetrators have been identified.
The government or its agencies had not yet formally declared the explosion to be a terrorist act, although the Delhi police had invoked the anti-terror Unlawful (Activities) Prevention Act before the counter-terrorism National Investigation Agency took over the probe into the matter.
While unnamed government and police officials speaking to the press have suggested that the probe will look into possible links with the spate of arrests that the Jammu and Kashmir police have made recently under their investigation into a ‘terror module’ with operations in Delhi's satellite city of Faridabad, there has been no official announcement connecting the two developments.
In its resolution on Wednesday the cabinet also noted “with appreciation the timely and coordinated response of the authorities, security agencies and citizens who acted with courage and compassion in the face of adversity”.
It “also recorded its appreciation for the statements of solidarity and support from many Governments around the world”.
It concluded by “reaffirm[ing] the government's steadfast resolve to safeguard the lives and well-being of all Indians”.
The probe into the explosion is still ongoing.
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