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India will root out terrorism, says PM
NEW DELHI, JAN. 27. India today said it wanted friendship with all countries, but this was not possible as long as it was made a target of terrorism.
``We want friendly relations with all, but when we are made targets of terrorism, it cannot be that we do not reply to this,'' the Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, said addressing the NCC Republic Day camp here.
Terrorism poses a challenge to the country both from outside and inside, Mr. Vajpayee said, and added that India would tackle it successfully and root out the menace. Describing terrorism as a sign of ``barbarity'', he said terrorists were targeting innocents, women and children.
Saying this was not a sign of bravery but cowardice, he told the cadets assembled for the yearly camp that the nation was passing through a challenging and tense situation.
For over two decades India had been fighting terrorism and ``now an international coalition had been formed to fight this and we are part of it''.
Speaking after witnessing a two-hour-long entertaining air and ground show by the cadets from all over the country, Mr. Vajpayee praised the NCC and hinted that efforts were on for its expansion.
The NCC paved the way for youngsters to become ideal citizens, he said. ``It is making commendable contribution towards fostering and promoting national integration, widening the horizon of the youth, forging brotherhood and bridging cultural gaps. It is an example that everyone in our nation will do well to emulate.''
In a lighter vein, he remarked that it seemed as though the NCC cadets were competing with the Republic Day parade, but they should play a ``complementary role''.
The NCC Directorate of Maharashtra had the distinction of being adjudged the best contingent for the sixth time in the last seven years. They bagged both the Senior Division and Air Wing Senior Division Best Cadet awards.
The Prime Minister, the three Service Chiefs and officers of the three defence forces witnessed a colourful display by the NCC cadets.
- PTI
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