Date:20/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/20/stories/2008112055261001.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

BJP & terrorism

The article “BJP and the challenge of terrorism” (Nov. 19) effectively exposed the Bharatiya Janata Party’s dual policy on terrorism. The disclosures on the alleged involvement of Sadhvi Pragnya Thakur and others in the Malegaon blasts and the party’s reaction have unmasked the BJP. They have helped people realise that the Hindutva brigade is not the true representative of Hindus. Its proponents are Nathuram Godses at heart and hide their vicious faces behind the masks of Hinduism and cultural nationalism. The Anti-Terrorism Squad has conclusively unveiled the saffron terror agenda.

Khan Yasir,

New Delhi

The BJP is making futile attempts to defend the indefensible. Even as it summarily condemns jihadi terror, it unabashedly condones Hindutva terror citing non-existent extenuating circumstances. The heinousness of terrorist attacks remains the same in all cases, notwithstanding the dissimilar political or religious affiliations of the perpetrators. The future of the country is at stake. For its sake, the BJP should abandon its sectarianism and monopolistic patriotism.

G. David Milton,

Maruthancode

The alleged involvement in crime of persons expected to be preaching religion and peace, and armymen guarding the national borders is really shocking. Making wild accusations against the government and investigating agencies is no way to control damage. The BJP should face the truth and take corrective steps.

M.A. Hakeem,

Hyderabad

It is a pity that BJP leaders view the Malegaon blasts as a political issue, not as a matter of national concern. Their hasty reaction to the arrests exposes how inadequate they are to tackle terrorism in a balanced and comprehensive manner. Will our politicians grow up to the situation, act like statesmen and put an end to the growing menace of terrorism?

S. Franklin,

Bangalore

BJP president Rajnath Singh’s statement that his party will defend the Malegaon blasts accused raises a few questions. Does he have no faith in the criminal justice system? Why doesn’t he wait for the law to take its course without passing a judgment? Is he or is he not keen on bringing those responsible for the killing of innocent citizens to justice? Or, is it his case that only those who belong to the opposite camp should be proceeded against? Does he know that a leader needs to exhibit qualities of fairness, tolerance and honesty?

C.J. Balachandran,

Chennai

The BJP’s stand — if it is Muslims, the burden of proof of innocence should be on the accused and therefore POTA must be revived but for Hindu accused, the presumption of innocence must apply — has been thoroughly exposed.

Abdul Rasheed Qureshi,

New Delhi

Terrorism is serious, whether Islamist or Hindutva. The BJP’s stand on the Malegaon blasts will further dent its image. It will hinder the investigation process. Let the law take its course.

Sravan Kumar Tiwari,

Vijayawada

The Hindutva brigade’s newfound belligerence points to its double standards and politics of opportunism. It has never failed to highlight the UPA government’s so-called soft policy on terror. It has called for restoration of draconian laws like POTA. Yet ever since the Malegaon blasts suspects’ links to Hindu organisations have become known, the party has gone on the offensive and even accused the Congress of communalising terrorism. A typical case of the pot calling the kettle black!

Devi Gopinath,

Thiruvananthapuram

The BJP has a double face — one that condemns Islamist terrorism and the other which defends Hindu terror. The BJP would do well to remember that terrorism has no religion and no religion supports terror. As for its allegation that the Congress is playing a political game by sponsoring investigations to secure its so-called vote bank, it should not forget that Muslims account for only 13.4 per cent of India’s population. The Congress certainly would not want to win their support to win elections.

Abdul Muqhtadir,

Manvi

Both the Congress and the BJP practise double standards on terrorism. The Congress has been signing pacts at the international level to combat terrorism but it is perceived as being soft on terror in India. The BJP, which advocates no leniency for terrorists, is now raising a hue and cry over the arrest of Pragnya Singh and others for their alleged involvement in the Malegaon blasts.

The parties should stop politicising terrorism for settling political scores because it not only affects their image but also undermines the nation’s dignity at the international level. We should stop associating religion with terrorism as terrorists don’t belong to any religion. They are socially maladjusted persons.

Kapil Teotia,

New Delhi

Leaders across the political spectrum are vying with one another in asserting that no religion has any link with terrorism. But the fact of the matter is that every religion breeds terrorism. A very thin line divides religious sentiment from religious fanaticism. What we need is not religion but science and a world government with a mature legal system to ensure an organised and peaceful coexistence.

S.P. Asokan,

Cuddalore