The Hindu Business Line : Mumbai attacks: Chidambaram assures speedy settlement of insurance claims

New role: The Union Home Minister, Mr P. Chidambaram, in Mumbai on Friday visiting the Chatrapathi Shivaji Terminus (CST) which came under terrorist attack last week . —

Our Bureau

Mumbai, Dec 5 The Union Home Minister, Mr P. Chidambaram, said on Friday that the Government will ensure settlement of insurance claims related to the victims of the Mumbai terror attack in 3-4 weeks.

He said he had asked the Finance Secretary to expedite the processing of insurance claims.

“We will work with LIC and other insurance companies to make sure that the insurance claims are given in 3-4 weeks.”

Mr Chidambaram said that the Government proposes to set up a federal investigation agency. “Yes, there is a proposal to set up an investigation agency at the national level. What form it will take I will disclose in Parliament,” said Mr Chidambaram talking to reporters in Mumbai after his visit to the terror-hit Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Hotel Taj Mahal Palace and Hotel Oberoi-Trident.

Mr Chidamabaram visited hospitals where those injured in terror strike are admitted and met families of police personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.

He also met Mr Ratan Tata, Tata Group Chairman, and Mr R.K. Krishnakumar, Vice-Chairman, Indian Hotels Company Ltd, which owns the Taj hotel.

He said he also spoke to Mr P.R.S. Oberoi, Chairman, Oberoi Group, over phone.

Lapses

The Home Minister admitted that there were lapses in the security system which led to the terror attack. “There have been some lapses. Those are being looked into,” he said. “I am deeply sorry for what happened. I know what this city means to India.”

“The terrorists chose the city in order to create an impact on the international scene. To that extent, they have succeeded. But we are determined to go to the source of this terror,” Mr Chidamabaram said.

“Investigation has been entrusted to the Crime Branch of Mumbai police and all central agencies will co-operate with the Crime Branch,” he said. “Lots of evidence has been gathered and they have been checked with other agencies.”

Death toll

Mr Chidambram said that 163 persons including civilians and security force personnel died in the terror attack in Mumbai. Including the nine terrorists who were killed, the total death toll is 172. As many as 18 security personnel lost their lives. The number of injured is 293.

The Home Minister refused to name any terrorist organisation or country behind the attack. “There is ample evidence to show that the source of the terror attack have links to the organisation which is identified with the terror attacks in India in the past.

“This particular crime was committed by terrorists who came from outside the country.” He praised the valiant service of the security forces, especially those who laid down their lives fighting terror. “Hundreds were saved because 18 men laid down their lives.” He said that he had asked the Maharashtra Government to pay the compensations to the families of terror victims before December 31.

In the past, every incident of terror, after the passage of time it becomes business as usual. September 11 has changed the attitude of the people of the US. What happened in Mumbai should be the trigger, there should be a heightened sense of alertness and vigilance against terror, he said.

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