New Delhi, Jan 5 (IANS) Occupants of a Pakistani vessel that blew up and sank off the coast of Gujarat were "suspected terrorists", Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said here Monday.
"I think they were suspected terrorists as they committed suicide. A normal boat even carrying drugs can surrender," he told reporters on the sidelines of an event.
"Why would smugglers stay in touch with Pakistani maritime authorities? Furthermore, why would they commit suicide?" he questioned.
"...the people on the boat decided to blow themselves up instead of surrendering. Smugglers can always surrender the drugs."
In a blatant reminder of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, the Indian Coast Guard in a dramatic chase intercepted and stopped the boat.
The vessel, which had set off from near Karachi on the eve of New Year, turned into a ball of fire and sank after its occupants, believe to be four in number, set fire to it early Jan 1.
The defence minister also lauded that Coast Guard for its effort and said they did the right job at the right time.
"The Indian Coast Guard reacted immediately. The boat was on surveillance for 12 hours and it was intercepted as soon as possible," said Parrikar.
The minister also pointed out that the the location of the boat was not on the normal sea route and smugglers usually take the busy route so that they can mingle with fishing boats.
Two Doctors get Padma Bhushan, 16 Padma Shri
New Delhi, Jan 25 (IANS) Two members of the medical fraternity were Sunday named for the Padma B
'Archives of Asia Africa conference' nominated for Unesco project
New Delhi, Feb 16 (IANS) The National Archives of India has signed a "letter of intent" with Na
There is a possibility of war between Ukraine and Russia. Meanwhile, on Monday, NATO has sent jet
'MSG' releases amid tight security
Chandigarh, Feb 13 (IANS) Amid tight security across Haryana and Chandigarh, controversial film
The wait of the fans for the fourth season of Netflix's very popular series Stranger Things is ju
The protests that started on the streets of Nepal under the leadership of the youth had turned in
Special units to tackle crimes against women proposed
New Delhi, Jan 5 (IANS) The central government Monday proposed to set up "Investigative Units o
Announcement: Makers of 'KGF 2' announce the new film, join hands with this famous director
Well-known director Sudha Kongara of South industry blockbuster 'Soorarai Pottru' and 'Humble Fil
Petrol and diesel sales in the country registered double-digit growth in November as compared to
The Under-19 World Cup being played in the West Indies has reached its final stage. Today the sec
