Terrorism poses an extraordinary threat: Advani

Terrorism is an extraordinary threat and war by other means, Bharatiya Janata Party president Lal Kishinchand Advani said in Nanded on Monday.

Advani said his main focus is on the increasing acts of militancy and terrorism in the country today. He drew attention to the increasing presence of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, stating that its Inter-Service Intelligence directorate operates not only in Kashmir and the North-East but is also very active in South India, specially Tamil Nadu.

The BJP president said his Swarna Jayanti rath yatra had successfully completed a five-day tour of Andhra Pradesh despite threats from the People's War Group, an extremist Marxist-Leninist outfit.

Advani expressed surprise over the black badge protest by security personnel over the suicide of Tarn Taran police chief A S Sandhu who was twice awarded the President's medal for his role in tackling Punjab terrorism. He felt the suicide reflects increasing pressure and interference of the State and its failure to provide a conducive work atmosphere. Advani said he would take up the issue with the prime minister and urge him to look into the affairs of Punjab.

Corruption was the main issue in the past year, he said. Congratulating the Maharashtra government for responding immediately to Anna Hazare's allegations of corruption, he said no state government has shown respect to a person in this manner. He cited the example of former Tripura chief minister Nripen Chakravarty who made several allegations against West Bengal Chief Minister Jyoti Basu and his family. While no action was taken, counter-allegations were made, he said.

Asked if the rath yatra was not an election stunt as it featured the BJP's election symbol, Advani retorted with an analogy saying it is like telling a student studying not to prepare for the exams. ''I find nothing wrong with it,'' he added.

UNI

Lukewarm reception for Advani in Nanded