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Union Home Minister P Chidambaram [Images] said that the Indian defence forces were capable of meeting the challenge from any quarter. "I am merely restating what the defence minister AK Antony has said." Chidamabaram said  in response to a question asked by a journalist on what India planned to do with the Al-Queda's threat of attacking India, If Pakistan was attacked.

Chidambaram was addressing a press conference in the New Delhi [Images] after the cabinet meeting.

Chidambaram took a dig at Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi [Images]. Queried on the similarities Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's remarks on involvement of "internal elements" in Mumbai [Images] attacks and comments by Pakistani leadership, he said, "You should ask Narendra Modi whether he and Pakistan are in contact with each other." According to Chidambaram Modi's comments were uncalled for.

He denied that the government had recieved any official response from Pakistan on the dossiers sent by India. Asked whether Islamabad [Images] has sought DNA samples of Ajmal Amir Kasab [Images], the lone terrorist caught alive while carrying out
attacks in Mumbai, Chidambaram shot back at the questioner: "When did they ask you? I do not know. If they have asked you please pass on the letter to me."
    
Chidambaram parried questions on a case registered against Union Minister Mahavir Prasad on allegations of conspiracy of murder. "I do not know. I only saw some flash in a news channel ... if the news is correct, the channel head need not resign."

Additional Reportage: PTI