The Hindu : Karnataka News : Sympathy for terror suspects decried

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Tuesday, Mar 04, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka

Sympathy for terror suspects decried

Staff Correspondent

‘Making such statements would amount to interfering with investigations’

DAVANGERE: The Sri Ramasene has strongly criticised Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president M. Mallikarjun Kharge and Janata Dal (Secular) president H.D. Deve Gowda for reportedly expressing sympathy for suspected terrorists. He asked both Mr. Kharge and Mr. Gowda not to politicise such a sensitive issue.

Speaking to presspersons here on Monday, state convener of the Sri Ramasene Gangadhar Kulkarni questioned the logic behind calling suspected terrorists “innocent youth” and alleged that this was a clear case of wanting to appease a certain community. He said making such statements would amount to interference with investigations. He urged the Union Government to take steps to curb terrorism.

Congress criticism

In another press conference on Monday, the former MLC and Congress leader K. Mallappa criticised Mr. Deve Gowda for calling the suspected terrorists “innocent youths” and said that he was trying to pressure the investigating agencies.

Network

Mr. Mallappa, who was in the JD(S) till last year, said Mr. Gowda was trying to gain the support of the minorities. He said the security of the country was at stake as terrorists were spreading their network. He asked Mr. Gowda to show restraint in his statements.

Unaware

When Mr. Mallappa’s attention was drawn to a similar statement made by Mr. Kharge, he said he was not aware that Mr. Kharge had made such a remark. He also said that Mr. Kharge, being an intelligent politician, would not do so.

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