The Hindu : Other States / Union Territories News : `Lessons on terrorism not being learnt'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005

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Other States - Union Territories

`Lessons on terrorism not being learnt'

Staff Correspondent

AIATF Chief M.S. Bitta expresses concern Diplomats as well as pro-peace bodies from 40 countries have been invited for an appraisal session

CHANDIGARH: All India Anti-Terrorist Front (AIATF) Chairman M.S. Bitta has said that the London bomb blasts and the attack on the disputed structure in Ayodhya clearly indicate that the political leadership and officials concerned have not learnt their lessons regarding the spread of terrorism.

To turn the spotlight on the core issues vital for containing terrorism across the world, the AIATF has invited diplomats as well as pro-peace organisations from 40 countries for an appraisal session at Vigyan Bhavan in Delhi on September 11.

Resurrection of terrorism

Talking to reporters here, Mr. Bitta expressed concern that while the Western countries adopted double standards on the issue, terrorism in India, especially Punjab, showed signs of resurrection due to apathy of the political leadership across party lines and complacency on the part of certain sections of the police, which was increasingly being politicised by vested interests.

While he was extremely sympathetic with the victims of the July 7 blasts in London, Mr. Bitta said it was high time the governments of Western countries, particularly England, Germany, Canada and the US, took decisive action against terrorist outfits which used their land against other countries. Unless this was done through a UN-monitored committee, the global war against terror lost all meaning, he warned.

The anti-terrorism activist was of the opinion that the terrorist attack on Ayodhya was the outcome of India's weak-kneed reaction and trusting Pakistan too much. Demanding that all bus and train services across the border be stopped, Mr. Bitta sought international guarantees that Pakistan would not go back on the various peace initiatives it agree upon. He voiced alarm at reports of revival of training camps for terrorists in Pakistan.

Commenting on the series of developments after the arrest of Jagtar Singh Hawara, Mr. Bitta sought reactions from the politicians and police officers who often ridiculed his previous warnings on the spread of the terrorists' network.

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`Lessons on terrorism not being learnt'