Date:10/02/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/02/10/stories/2003021004801100.htm

National

'Nations must show will to fight terrorism'

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI FEB. 9. The BJP president, M. Venkaiah Naidu, today called upon the international community to show a collective will and prepare an action plan to fight the menace of terrorism which had broken all geographical boundaries.

Describing terrorism as a crime against humanity and civilisation, Mr. Naidu said battle against terrorism could be won only when each and every nation rose above its political considerations.

"For this, a change in mindset and approach towards dealing with terrorism is extremely important as no nation can afford to ignore the potential threat of terrorism just because it does not face an immediate challenge from this menace.''

Inaugurating a photo exhibition on global terrorism on the eve of the two-day international youth conference on terrorism, being organised by the youth wing of the BJP, Mr. Naidu highlighted the role of youth in fighting terrorism.

"The youth can tackle terrorism because of its energy and dynamism. The youth remains the most attractive recruiting ground for terrorist outfits who often misuse religious and ideological arguments to mislead the younger generation.''

Turning to Pakistan, he rapped it for indulging in "double speak'' on the issue of terrorism.

"While fighting terrorism with the international community, it continues to actively encourage terrorism and infiltration of terrorists into India from its eastern borders.''

Asking the international community to come down heavily on such countries that supported terrorist outfits, he said such nations should not become beneficiaries of international assistance which could get diverted to promote nefarious activities.

The two-day conference is scheduled to be inaugurated by the Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, tomorrow.