Will act tough on terror: Govt

Chief minister Prithviraj Chavan has promised that his government will take tough steps to counter terror and will provide fool-proof security to Mumbai.

Chief minister Prithviraj Chavan has promised that his government will take tough steps to counter terror and will provide fool-proof security to Mumbai. His assurance came after Chavan paid tribute to the victims of the July 13 triple blasts, on the opening day of the monsoon session of the state legislature.

HT Image

On Monday, another victim of the blasts succumbed to injuries, taking the toll to 25.

Deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar was more aggressive while addressing the legislative council. He admitted that it was time the government stopped being timid and took up the challenge of preventing further attacks.

"Mumbai's security is paramount for us, because the city is India's financial capital," Pawar said. "I will announce the government's plans in the discussion scheduled to come up in the course of the [monsoon] session," he added.

While paying his respects to the victims, Pawar said that the government is doing everything possible to help people deal with the tragedy. " However, the fact that we work in a quiet manner is being misunderstood by several groups. It's time we gave some tough answers and took up the challenge to provide full-proof security," he said. "We shouldn’t take this lying down anymore."

The CM and his deputy lauded the 'tough spirit' of the citizens who kept calm and didn't let the blasts deter them from going about their business.

Meanwhile, leader of opposition in the council, Pandurang Phundkar demanded that in addition to bearing medical expenses of the injured, the state government should explore ways to rehabilitate their families.