The Hindu : National : `Terrorism can cause another world war'

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Monday, Sep 12, 2005

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National

`Terrorism can cause another world war'

LOST IN THOUGHT: The former Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, with the former Chief Ministers, Kalyan Singh and Rajnath Singh, at a party workers' meet in Lucknow on Sunday . — Photo: Subir Roy

LUCKNOW: Apprehending that international terrorism had the potential to start another world war, former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Sunday said the world would have to unite in order to wipe out this problem from its roots.

``The threat of another world war is attached with the growing problem of terrorism which has spread its reach across the globe. A united stand is needed to fight this menace and wipe it out completely,'' Mr. Vajpayee told a meeting of BJP workers in his Lok Sabha constituency here.

The United States seemed to think that the problem of terrorism was miles away from it until the twin WTC towers had been attacked in that country's own heart four years back, proving its calculations to be incorrect, Mr. Vajpayee said. "When we used to talk about terrorism with them ... they would not take it seriously.

``When religion gets mixed with terrorism, it becomes even more dangerous,'' Mr. Vajpayee said adding that even though it was sheer madness to blow up one's own body in the so-called "fidayeen" attacks, the issue would have to be dealt with a heavy hand.

``We should never forget the image of terrorists making a bid to blow up the makeshift Ram temple at the Ramjanmabhoomi complex in Ayodhya recently as complacency can cost us dearly," Mr. Vajpayee said.

``We should ensure that carelessness does not creep in," the former Prime Minister said adding that with a combined and vigilant stand, the country should effectively battle the scourge of terrorism.

PTI

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