New Delhi: Defence Minister George Fernandes on Tuesday told the Lok Sabha that special strategies were being devised to combat possible terrorist strikes more effectively.

Responding to a question on why a security lapse had occurred at heavily guarded Army camp in the Akhnoor sector of Jammu and Kashmir last week, Fernandes said, "An investigation into the incident has already been ordered. If the investigation establishes any lapse in the enforcement of security measures by the Army, stringent action will be taken against those found responsible."

The statement was made even as the Opposition continued to boycott Fernandes over his alleged involvement in the 2002 Tehelka expose.

The minister said that steps had been taken to ensure adequate security for vulnerable areas through intelligence inputs, reinforced security mechanisms, intensified patrolling and employment of Quick Reaction Teams or QTRs.

Eight Army personnel, including Brigadier V K Govil, were killed and 13 injured in the July 22 terrorist strike on Tanda cantonment at Akhnoor. Lt Gen Hari Prasad, Commander-in Chief of the Northern Command, and Lt General T P S Brar, General Officer Commanding 16 Corp, were injured in the grenade blast carried out by suicide bomber.

Fernandes said the identity of the three terrorists had not been established while the driver of the truck in which they came had been taken into custody and was being interrogated.

ANI