Sukhbir for 145;quick response system146;

8220;I am going to attend the meeting of all political parties called by the Prime Minister today and will raise the issue of waging a war against terrorism,8221; said Sukhbir, who was in town to attend a function organised to hand over Rs 2 crore from the Chief Minister8217;s Relief Fund to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for the flood-affected people. 8220;We must take a lesson from the United States, which, after 9/11, virtually waged a war against terrorism. I condemn politicisation of such a sensitive issue by any political party, as instead of indulging in a blame game, all political parties should come on a single platform to deal with terrorism,8221; he added.

Asked whether he supported the thought of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to establish a federal agency to deal with terrorism at the national level, Sukhbir, without commenting directly, said the Centre should work out the best 8220;quick response system8221; to deal with terrorism.

On a query whether it was due to intelligence failure that terrorists were able to hold Mumbai to ransom, Sukhbir said, 8220;We should take lessons from our mistakes and ensure that they are not repeated in the future. Punjab has successfully dealt with terrorism and the state8217;s experience should be incorporated in the formation of any policy against terrorism.8221;

Firing a salvo at MNS Sena chief Raj Thackeray, Sukhbir read out an SMS against Thackeray that is doing the rounds. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also indirectly attacked the Sena chief, saying that we should stay away from regionalism. He said every Indian has a right to live anywhere in the country and earn his living. About terrorism in the country, he said we should not doubt each other8217;s capabilities and intentions, but fight collectively against the terror menace. Talking about the floods in Bihar, he said about 40 lakh people were affected. He said still 4.66 lakh people are living in camps.

Former Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh also spoke on terrorism. Among others who were present on the occasion included Bihar Governor R.L. Bhatia, Jagmit Brar, Iqbal Singh and Master Mohan Lal.

UPA has failed: Majithia
AMRITSAR:Information and Public Relations Minister Bikram Singh Majithia on Sunday took the Congress-led UPA government to task, saying it has completely failed in dealing with terrorism in the country. He said the NDA8217;s stance that the government had been caught napping while the terrorists were planning the biggest-ever attack on India had been vindicated with the resignation of Home Minister Shivraj Patil. He said the Mumbai attacks was not mere terrorist action, but part of the larger proxy war being waged against India and the Centre should take appropriate measures against terrorism.