It was necessary to intercept Pakistani boat at distance: Manohar Parrikar

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday lauded the timely interception of the Pakistani vessel suspected to be carrying terrorists by the Indian Coast Guard off Porbandar coast earlier this month.

It is being suspected that boat was laden with explosives and its four occupants, suspected to be terrorists, blew it up after a nearly hour-long hot pursuit in the Arabian Sea. "Some people ask me why the ship was not allowed to come closer. I think with the experiences in the past, where even a small ship can cause a major damage, it is better it is intercepted before it comes closer," said Parrikar. The former Goa Chief Minister was here to commission four ICG ships.

"They (Coast Guard) did the work perfectly. I hope in future too Coast Guard takes timely action... I congratulate them for their timely action on New Year's eve. There were attempts to create a lot of controversy. As far as national security is concerned, we cannot afford to be lax," he said. "What Coast Guard did when everyone was probably enjoying at Baga Calangute (beach) or other places was an absolutely correct step in the interest of nation's security," he added.