Pakistan-based militant outfit Lashkar-e-Tayiba is planning to strike critical infrastructure, military targets and religious places, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee disclosed in Lok Sabha on Monday.
"It has been evident for some time now that the scope of such terrorist activities is on the increase," he said, responding to concerns voiced by BJP deputy leader V K Malhotra.
Information with security agencies also indicate the possibility of a nuclear installation being considered for strike by the LeT module, he said.
"A series of special security measures have already been taken, and some are under consideration to prevent any such attempts from succeeding," he said.
Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Malhotra referred to remarks made in a television interview by National Security Adviser M K Narayanan that one of the atomic energy installations was under LeT threat.
He wanted to know whether the prime minister was aware of such threats. "It is a very serious matter," he said.
Leader of Opposition L K Advani sought a government response from the prime minister.
Mukherjee said activities of LeT have been 'continuously and carefully' monitored by security and intelligence agencies.
"The information that is available with security agencies is that LeT modules are planning to carry out some strikes on critical infrastructure items, military targets and religious places," he said.
Contending the government has taken the information very seriously, he said, "The House must appreciate that it is on the basis of advance intelligence that necessary steps are being taken to protect our vital installations and other high profile targets."
The minister assured that the government will take 'all possible steps to see that these attacks do not fructify'.
Malhotra said Minister of State for Home Sriprakash Jaiswal had on Sunday stated that there was no threat at all.
Speaker Somnath Chatterjee expressed his disapproval of the minister speaking on such issues outside the House when Parliament was in session.
"I wish the statement had been made here and not outside. I myself wanted to say that. However, the government has responded, and I am sure that they will keep that in mind," he said.
