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BJP resolution approves govt stand on J&K

Tara Shankar Sahay in Nagpur

The Bharatiya Janata Party national council political resolution on Monday approved the 'government's unequivocal stand' and its continuing battle against terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, calling on people to close ranks and back its initiatives.

It emphasised that "terrorist and disruptive activities of the last few months, highlighted by the brutal massacre of Amarnath pilgrims and scores of innocent people in J&K, the series of blasts at places of worship and the seizure of large quantities of explosives and small arms, bring out the gravity of the challenge posed to India's security by forces that are openly hostile to our national unity and integrity, and who have been vanquished four times in an open war."

It pointed out that although Pakistan had suffered a "crushing military and humiliating diplomatic defeat in Kargil last year" it continues to promote cross-border terrorism in J&K and other parts of India.

"The military regime in Islamabad has displayed increasing belligerence and made no effort to hide the fact that Pakistan has adopted cross-border terrorism as an instrument of state policy. On several occasions in recent times, the military regime in Islamabad has declared support for the terrorists trained, armed and funded by Pakistan and sought to justify their murderous crimes in India," the political resolution noted.

It pointed out that there had been international condemnation of Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism, fuelled by mounting religious extremism. This cross-border terrorism threatened peace and stability in the region and beyond and, therefore, called for concerted international action, it said.

The resolution urged all political parties to take a balanced and considered view of the proposed anti-terrorism law, rather than reject it on the basis of unfounded apprehensions and partisan politics.

It pointed out that only India was plagued by terrorism but lacked the legal wherewithal to fight crime against humanity.

"Ironically, even Pakistan, the progenitor of cross-border terrorism, has an anti-terrorism law. The United State and United Kingdom have anti-terrorism laws much stiffer than that proposed by the National Democratic Alliance government," it noted.

It warned people that at stake was the fundamental requirement of economic development and social progress - India's national security. It called on the government to ensure the security of life and property of every citizen of India "especially those braving terrorism in J&K'' and some other states.

"A clear message needs to be sent to terrorists and their masters across the border that every Indian's life is precious and will be defended and that indulging in cross-border terrorism cannot continue to remain a cost-free option. The rejection of the autonomy resolution by the J&K assembly is a step in the right direction," it noted.

It, however, observed that the government should not hesitate to talk to "those Indians who are willing to give up violence and sit across the table." This is no doubt an uphill task, as Pakistan will spare no effort to undermine peace efforts, it stated. This was evident in how nascent talks with the Hizbul Mujahideen were "torpedoed".

It resolved to strengthen the government's hands in its campaign against terrorism as well as its peace initiatives.

"The international isolation of Pakistan and the alienation of militants from Kashmiri people are already two positive signals in this direction. The BJP is fully committed to J&K being an integral part of India and to the defence of national sovereignty,'' it stressed.

The political resolution also deplored the Congress demand for a judicial inquiry into massacres by terrorists in J&K. " By raising a question mark over the identity of the killers, an identity of which the whole world is aware, the Congress has strengthened the hands of those behind the killings, even while demoralising India's security forces," it emphasised.

Jammu and Kashmir occupied a major portion of the political resolution, with senior party leaders like K Jana Krishnamurthy, who moved it, making an impassioned plea to party members to strengthen the government's hands in its fight against terrorism in the state.

While advocating grit and determination in its approach to the J&K problem, Krishnamurthy, however, pointed out that "we should not fear to talk to parties which have given up violence and are willing to come to the negotiating table for a peaceful solution."

The political resolution congratulated the government for keeping its promise of creating three states - Jharkhand, Uttaranchal and Chhattisgarh.

The resolution also pointed out that the "leadership of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee to the nation is leading India towards the direction of becoming an important world power".

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