Sunday, April 24 2005 18:02 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Tumkur (K'taka): The Centre is ready to make a statement in Parliament on the attack on the Railway Minister Laloo Prasad in Gujarat last week, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil said today (Apr 24, 2005).

"Speaker (Somnath Chatterjee) spoke to me and asked whether we would be able to make a statement in the House. No objection if the Speaker wants a statement. We will be able to make a statement, may be, if asked by tomorrow," Patil told reporters in Tumkur on the sidelines of a function.

On the killing of a BSF (Border Security Force) official and a Bangladesh Rifles helicopter allegedly violating Indian airspace last week, Patil said Bangladesh Home Minister had spoken to him and said he was sorry.

"We asked him (Bangladesh Home Minister) to investigate the matter and take action against those who are responsible for it. I think they will do it," he said.

On the Naga talks, Patil said they are proceeding as per Government's expectations.

"I don't want to comment on the talks at this stage because it does not help the talks as such. As far as I know, talks are going on and as per our expectations," he said.

Even the Naga side have expressed that the talks have been quite satisfactory, the Home Minister added.