New Delhi, Aug 3: Opposition today slammed the government for the rising terror incidents alleging that its “weak”and “non-serious” approach had “emboldened” the terrorists to strike at will.
Congress, however, countered the attack by referring to right wing terrorism, triggering an uproar in the Rajya Sabha during a short duration discussion on growing incidents of terrorism.
The country is living under the “constant shadow of fear” while little is done to restore the public confidence, senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad said.
“There have been 14 attacks in Mumbai because the terrorists want to convey the message that ‘recongise our visibility, that the police is weak and we can strike at will' and create an impression outside that India is a security risk country. Terrorists know there is no penalty to pay,” he said.
Referring to talks with Pakistan, he said India has to recognise the fact that foreign policy and counter terrorism strategy cannot be segregated.
“Japhi aur puppy nahin chalega (the hugs and kisses wont work),” he remarked.
Criticising the suggestions of involvement of right wing Hindu extremists in terror attacks, Prasad said, “Why say about Hindu terrorists when we have never said Muslim terrorists”.
He said partisan approach should not come in the way of dealing firmly with the menace. The BJP is fully with the government on tackling terrorism.
He also asked pointedly asked why Afzal Guru, convicted in 2001 Parliament attack case, has not been hanged yet and what made the government repeal Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA).
All these factors have emboldened terrorists to carry attacks from across the border with impunity, the BJP leader alleged.
Prasad asked why there was a delay in setting up of anti-terror agencies like National Counter Terrorism Centre and National Intelligence Grid which were announced immediately after 2008 Mumbai attacks.
Initiating the discussion, senior Shiv Sena leader Manohar Joshi said: “My charge against the government is that it has not taken any steps (to stop terror attacks) because of political reasons.”
The number of terror attacks have increased in the last few years and “unfortunately, I do not see the government taking action.”
Mentioning the spate of terror incidents, he said, “Unfortunately, no government has been successful in stopping these attacks.”
He said, “The terror attacks can be stopped if they (terrorists) are scared of the government. The government is not serious about it.”
Referring to the terror attacks of March 12, 1993, Sena leader said the judgment came after 14 years. “Dawood Ibrahim, Tiger Menon and Mohammad Dosa ... all ran away. These three people have not been brought back (to the country),” he said.
Countering the Opposition onslaught, Shantaram Naik (Congress) referred to the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi and the involvement of right wing extremists in terror attacks.
“Please try to control them (the right wing extremism) ...60 per cent of the problems will be solved,” he said.
Following Naik's remarks, unruly scenes were witnessed in the Upper House and the BJP members were on their feat demanding an apology from him.
Pandemonium prevailed before Naik finally relented saying “if your feelings have been hurt...I tender my apology”.
Veer Singh of BSP pointed out: “The Centre's inability to fight terrorism again resulted in serial blasts in Mumbai on July 13 this year killing 28 people. It is three weeks now, the government has failed to strengthen security measures.” PTI
