Some ex-PMs compromised deep assets of national security: Parrikar

In a serious charge, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has alleged that some Prime Ministers of the country have compromised “deep assets of national security.”

Though Mr. Parrikar refrained from naming anyone, his comments have angered the Congress which has sought an explanation.

Speaking at a function in Mumbai on Thursday, the Mr. Parrikar made the comments while explaining why he did not reveal too many details about the December 31 Coast Guard operation off Gujarat Coast. The “source (of information) might have been compromised,” Mr. Parrikar hinted.

 “You have to build deep assets. Deep assets are created over 20-30 years. Sadly, there were some prime ministers who compromised deep assets. I am not going to disclose names. Many people know,” he said. Congress leader Manish Tewari lashed out at the minister’s remarks and sought an explanation. “What sort of deep assets he is talking about?

Are they strategic or are they intelligence assets? He should come out with facts if he has any else he should apologize,” Mr. Tewari said.

Seeking the names of prime ministers, Mr. Tewari further said that one could not tarnish former prime ministers like this.