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As terrorists struck in Punjab's Gurdaspur, killing eight people in two attacks, the Congress today alleged a major "security lapse and intelligence failure".
"It is said that they have come from across the border...if that is true, it is a security lapse and intelligence failure," Congress leader Anand Sharma said, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi needed to take firm steps.
A group of terrorists opened fire on a public bus and later stormed a police station in Gurdaspur in Punjab, near the border with Pakistan.
The three terrorists, who were in army uniforms, were holed up in an empty police station in Dinanagar in Punjab. Five policemen and three civilians have been killed.
All three terrorists have been shot down. The terrorists infiltrated the Jammu region late at night or early this morning, said sources.
They carjacked a Maruti 800, shot at a bus, and then stormed the police station.
Responding to opposition demands in Parliament, the government said Home Minister Rajnath Singh would make a statement after the operation in Punjab was over.
"Where is the government's intelligence? It is the Centre's responsibility to secure the borders, though we condemn the terror attack," said Mallikarjun Kharge, the leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha,
The Congress said if the attackers crossed over from Pakistan, it raised questions about the country's intentions and the agreement between PM Narendra Modi and Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif at Ufa in Russia.
As the opposition kept demanding a statement from the government, Venkaiah Naidu said: "We cannot say anything while the encounter is on. The Congress and others should not indulge in politics...entire country should speak in one voice."
Mr Naidu said he had informed Mr Kharge about the attack in the morning. "Trying to find fault with the government, talking about intelligence failure...this is not done. People create a situation, not allowing members to speak and blame the speaker. You can't eat your cake and have it," said the minister.