New Delhi, Oct 13 (PTI) Home Minister Shivraj Patil and Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik clashed today at the National Integration Council meeting over the handling of the situation in the wake of the anti-Christian violence in the eastern state.
Addressing the meeting dominated by attacks on Christians and terrorism, Patil said he had sent more forces than asked for by the Orissa government. To this, Patnaik shot back saying that forces reached him only after five days of killing of VHP leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati on August 23.
The Home Minister then said that it took time since security personnel had to be pulled out of the International Border. Suggesting that urgency was shown by the Centre, Patil said that to ensure the fast dispatch of forces helicopters were even used.
Patnaik said that whatever forces were made available by the Home Ministry most of them were trainee jawans.
As the spat continued, some members said the two should not have any acrimony.
Patil later told reporters there were "some discussions" but said there was no bitterness between him and Patnaik.
PTI
