Give security forces respect: Chidambaram

Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on Thursday said each target of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks was chosen carefully to create maximum impact and lauded the sacrifice of security forces to blunt the designs of the terrorists.

Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on Thursday said each target of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks was chosen carefully to create maximum impact and lauded the sacrifice of security forces to blunt the designs of the terrorists.

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"The adversary chose the target carefully which included two iconic buildings and a place which millions of 'aam admi' use," the home minister said.

Praising the security forces, he said, "What does a policeman want? What do our security forces want? Be it the army jawan who stands on glaciers or in jungles of Assam, men who guard naval bases, or men who keep vigil in the skies: respect.

"I ask people of Mumbai, Maharashtra and India: give respect to policemen. Give respect to security forces," the minister said after unveiling a memorial for the 18 security personnel, including those from police and NSG, killed while combating the terrorists a year ago.

"A man like Tukaram Ombale (the police officer who helped capture Ajmal Kasab), he deserves our respect. I ask all of you, let us respect our security forces," he said.

Stating that he was addressing the gathering on a "solemn occasion", Chidambaram said he saluted the brave security personnel who laid down their lives to defend the honour and integrity of India.