Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

‘Democracy only answer to terrorism’

Thiruvananthapuram: The former Chief Minister K. Karunakaran, on Sunday, asserted that democracy was the only answer to terrorism and extremism.

Inaugurating the golden jubilee day celebrations of the Assembly, Mr. Karunakaran said many countries that attained Independence with India and had adopted democratic governments were unable to sustain them for long. And whatever governing mechanisms these countries adopted, they had never experienced peace. India had been able to continue democratic rule, the hallmark of which had been tolerance.

India had adopted the Gandhian path of equality and peace. Only democracy could face the challenges posed by terrorism and extremism. Recalling the strong measures he took as Chief Minister to put down the Naxalite movement, Mr. Karunakaran said these were possible only because people’s support and cooperation were there. There should be a platform for expression of opinion and a functional area for those who hold different viewpoints.

Speaker K. Radhakrishnan presided over the meeting .

K.C. Venugopal, convener of the cultural activities, welcomed the gathering. The employees of the Legislature Secretariat and MLAs presented cultural programmes that included a theatre production and ganamela.

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