The Hindu : National : Don't politicise terror strikes, UPA tells BJP

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Aug 05, 2005

National

National

Don't politicise terror strikes, UPA tells BJP

Special Correspondent

Heated exchanges during discussion

NEW DELHI: At a Bharatiya Janata Party-sponsored discussion in the Lok Sabha, the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) and its supporting parties on Thursday urged their rivals not to politicise terror strikes. The discussion focussed on the July 5 attack on the Ram Janmabhoomi complex at Ayodhya."

The discussion, initiated by Vijay Kumar Malhotra (BJP), did not attract much attendance but saw several rounds of heated exchanges between the National Democratic Alliance and the UPA. He accused the Government of committing a major crime by repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA). "It was the only law India had against terrorism and instead of strengthening it, the Government has done away with it."

Mr. Malhotra also criticised the Government's "soft policy" towards Pakistan. He said Pakistan responded to the London underground blasts, which occurred two days after the Ayodhya attack, but made no such move on the increasing terrorist attacks in India. Countering him, Rajesh Mishra (Congress) said it was the NDA Government, which surrendered to terrorists and escorted them to freedom in Kandahar, Afghanistan, in the wake of a plane hijack.

On the POTA, Mr. Mishra said the NDA Government used the law against minorities in Gujarat. Sunil Khan (CPI-M) said the POTA was also used to settle political scores and cited the arrest of MDMK leader Vaiko. Mr. Mishra, like many others after him, applauded the swift action taken by the security forces at Ayodhya.

Criticising the BJP's demand for the resignation of the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister in the wake of the Ayodhya attack, Devendra Prasad Yadav (RJD) said politicising terrorism was fraught with danger. Parliament should adopt a strong resolution against terrorism.

Reacting to Mr. Malhotra's criticism of madrasas, he said "Shishu Mandirs" run by the Sangh Parivar ought to be banned as they offered education meant to divide people along communal lines.

K. M. Kader Mohideen (DMK) said it was unfair to demonise madrasas. He said Leader of the Opposition L. K. Advani should advocate the setting up of a symbol of communal harmony at the disputed site at Ayodhya.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National