Wailing relatives of the 24 Pandits who were killed in Nadimarg literally mobbed Deputy Prime Minister Lal Kishenchand Advani when he visited them on Tuesday morning.

In voices choked with emotion and eyes glowing with tears they pointed towards the moist ground and said, "Look, this is our blood. We have lost everything and we don't want to live here any more."

The said adequate security was not provided "despite bringing into notice of the administration movement of suspicious characters".

Advani said it was the responsibility of the government to protect Pandits both inside and outside the Kashmir valley.

"There has been a security lapse. Though the primary responsibility of security lies with the Centre and that of development with the state, both have to work in complete harmony and coordination.

"If you are not safe here, we shall make alternative arrangements for your safety. It is the aim of the enemy to force whatever little Pandits are left in the valley to move out. But if that is what is needed to protect you, we would not hesitate to move you out.

"Pandits living in various parts of the country have been meeting me and aspiring for their return to the valley. However, your feeling will be brought into the notice of the prime minister [Atal Bihari Vajpayee] and considered in the Cabinet Committee on Security.

"We will make foolproof security arrangements for all the Pandits living in the valley."

Later, he said "our neighbouring country" is behind the militancy in the valley. He regretted that "Washington has not extended as much pressure on Pakistan as on the Taliban".

He said the Centre is not in favour of imposing President's rule in any state.

In the afternoon, Congress president Sonia Gandhi, PCC chief Ghulam Nabi Azad, and senior party leaders Ambika Soni and Makhan Lal Fotedar visited the village.