The Crossbill Team
Two days after a deadly car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort claimed at least 13 lives and sent shockwaves across the country, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday (November 12) formally described the blast as a “terrorist incident.”
The declaration came in a resolution passed during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking the government’s first official characterisation of the explosion as an act of terror.
Until Wednesday evening, neither the Centre nor investigating agencies had confirmed a terror-related motive behind the blast, even though the incident had prompted heightened security and a nationwide alert.
“The country has witnessed a heinous terror incident, perpetrated by anti-national forces,” the cabinet resolution said, expressing “profound grief over the loss of lives in the terrorist incident.” The meeting began with a two-minute silence in memory of the victims.
Condemning the attack, the resolution stated that the cabinet “unequivocally condemns this dastardly and cowardly act that has led to the loss of innocent lives” and reiterated “India’s unwavering commitment to a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”
The resolution further directed 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.”
While the statement stopped short of elaborating on the suspected motive or identifying those responsible, it underscored the government’s determination to hold those involved accountable.
Notably, the cabinet’s resolution marks the first time the explosion has been officially termed a “terrorist incident.”
Earlier, the Delhi Police had invoked provisions of the Unlawful (Activities) Prevention Act (UAPA) before the National Investigation Agency (NIA) formally took over the probe.
Unnamed officials have told sections of the media that investigators are exploring possible links between the Red Fort blast and recent arrests by the Jammu and Kashmir police in connection with an alleged terror module operating out of Faridabad, though no official confirmation of such a connection has been made.
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,” and “recorded its appreciation for the statements of solidarity and support from many Governments around the world.”
Concluding its resolution, the cabinet “reaffirm[ed] the government’s steadfast resolve to safeguard the lives and well-being of all Indians.”
The investigation into the explosion remains underway, with central and state agencies continuing to analyse forensic evidence and possible networks linked to the incident.
The declaration came in a resolution passed during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking the government’s first official characterisation of the explosion as an act of terror.
Until Wednesday evening, neither the Centre nor investigating agencies had confirmed a terror-related motive behind the blast, even though the incident had prompted heightened security and a nationwide alert.
“The country has witnessed a heinous terror incident, perpetrated by anti-national forces,” the cabinet resolution said, expressing “profound grief over the loss of lives in the terrorist incident.” The meeting began with a two-minute silence in memory of the victims.
Condemning the attack, the resolution stated that the cabinet “unequivocally condemns this dastardly and cowardly act that has led to the loss of innocent lives” and reiterated “India’s unwavering commitment to a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”
The resolution further directed 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.”
While the statement stopped short of elaborating on the suspected motive or identifying those responsible, it underscored the government’s determination to hold those involved accountable.
Notably, the cabinet’s resolution marks the first time the explosion has been officially termed a “terrorist incident.”
Earlier, the Delhi Police had invoked provisions of the Unlawful (Activities) Prevention Act (UAPA) before the National Investigation Agency (NIA) formally took over the probe.
Unnamed officials have told sections of the media that investigators are exploring possible links between the Red Fort blast and recent arrests by the Jammu and Kashmir police in connection with an alleged terror module operating out of Faridabad, though no official confirmation of such a connection has been made.
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,” and “recorded its appreciation for the statements of solidarity and support from many Governments around the world.”
Concluding its resolution, the cabinet “reaffirm[ed] the government’s steadfast resolve to safeguard the lives and well-being of all Indians.”
The investigation into the explosion remains underway, with central and state agencies continuing to analyse forensic evidence and possible networks linked to the incident.
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