November 07, 2001

'5'

WE WILL FIGHT TERRORISM ON OUR OWN STRENGTH

THERE IS NO NEED OF OUTSIDE HELP – SAYS ADVANI

   The Union Home Minister, Shri L.K. Advani today told the Consultative Committee attached to the Ministry that India is capable of fighting terrorism on its own strength and there is no question of seeking anybody’s help in this regard. Addressing the Consultative Committee Meeting, here this morning, Shri Advani said that New Delhi had been drawing the attention of the developed nations towards the devastating repercussions and the growing menace of terrorism. But it is only after the September 11, terrorist strikes in New York and Washington that the world felt its impact and what tragedy it brings to the common man. He said logically the American attempt to associate Pakistan in the Joint effort to fight terrorism may not be objectionable but the world should also realize that it is Pakistan which is aiding and abetting terrorist activities in Jammu & Kashmir and of late in the hinterland through its intelligence agency ISI. "We are fully prepared to deal with this". The Home Minister informed the Members that the Government had achieved notable success in identifying and neutralizing ISI modules and terrorist networks not only in Jammu & Kashmir, North-Eastern States but also in the hinterland of the country.

    When a Member raised the question of detention of police personnel in Jails for alleged violation of Human Rights while fighting with terrorists, Shri Advani reiterated his earlier comment that such cases should be considered for giving relief within the ambit of the Constitution. He said that it was in this context that he had talked of sympathetic consideration of such detainees during his tour to Jalandhar in the third week of September, 2001. When some Members raised the issue of the doubtful activities of some Madrasas in border areas of UP, Bihar and elsewhere, the general consensus was that Madrasas as a whole should not be condemned and their activities brought more into the mainstream.

    When some members spoke of the recent influx of Hindu refugees from Bangladesh into West Bengal and the North-Eastern States, Shri Advani expressed concern. He said the Government was monitoring the matter and in close touch with the States also.

    On the restoration of autonomy to Jammu & Kashmir State (referring to the State Assemblies Autonomy resolution), the Home Minister said there was no question of setting the clock back. However, Shri Advani said that the Centre was always prepared to consider further devolution of powers to the States in general, including Jammu & Kashmir.

    Many Members at the very outset of the meeting desired that the POTO Ordinance should be taken up for discussion in the Committee. It was accordingly decided that a discussion on the Ordinance could take place in the Consultative Committee Meeting on November 23, 2001.

    The following members S/Shri Ananda Mohan Biswas, Holkhomang Haokip, Somnath Chatterjee, Ali Mohd. Naik, Shivraj V. Patil, Joyanta Rongpi, Bishnu Pada Ray and Anadi Charan Sahu all from Lok Sabha and S/Shri S. Vidhuthalai Virumbi, Swaraj Kaushal, Narendra Mohan, Dr. Karan Singh, Dina Nath Mishra, Sikander Bakht, Gulam Nabi Azad, Suresh Pachouri, Mirza Abdul Rashid and Balbir K. Punj all from Rajya Sabha participated. The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Ch. Vidyasagar Rao was present. The Home Minister presided over the meeting held in Parliament House.