Date:27/05/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/05/27/stories/2006052706441200.htm

National

Demonstration against killing of tourists

Special Correspondent

VHP, Bajrang Dal warn of agitation

AHMEDABAD: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal activists staged demonstrations in Ahmedabad and some other cities in Gujarat on Friday in protest against the killing in terrorist attack on a tourist group, including a child, from Surat near Srinagar on Thursday.

The demonstrators shouted slogans against the UPA Government at the Centre which, they said, was indirectly aiding terrorism due to its inaction to contain terror and the alleged appeasement of Muslims was encouraging the terrorists to attack the Hindus.

``Ever since the Congress-led UPA government took charge of the Centre, attack on the Hindus has increased," a VHP spokesman said. He warned that the VHP and the Dal would be forced to launch nation-wide agitation if the government failed to protect the Hindus from terrorist attack.

The seven injured in the grenade attack as well as the bodies of the four killed were brought from Srinagar by air to Vadodara from where they were taken to Surat. The Chief Minister, Narendra Modi, and several other senior BJP leaders called on the bereaved families to convey their condolence.

Compensation

An official function of Mr Modi in Surat was cancelled in view of the tragedy and the State Government has declared compensation of Rs one lakh each to the kin of the victims, killed in the attack.