Says he raised the issue of terrorism at SAARC conference and said that no distinction should be made between good or bad terrorism
andalib akhter / New Delhi
Back home after attending the SAARC Home Ministers’ meet in Islamabad, Home Minister Rajnath Singh today informed both houses of the parliament that he raised the issue of terrorism in the conference and said that no distinction should be made between good or bad terrorism.
In his statement to both the Houses of Parliament, Mr Singh said, terrorism is the biggest challenge and threat for the peace and stability in South Asian region.
Rajnath Singh also informed that he also gave some suggestions from India at the SAARC countries’ Home Ministers’ conference. He advocated stringent rules for extraditing terrorists.
He demanded action not only against terrorists but also against countries giving shelter to terrorists.
Home Minister praised the unity seen in the House on this issue. Rajnath said that the whole world including South Asia is reeling with the problem of terrorism.
Rajnath Singh said growing terrorism was a global threat and countries must come together to deal with the menace.
He told the SAARC meeting that terrorists should not be glorified and patronised. He said calling terrorists as martyrs is unacceptable. He suggested that effective measures should be taken to ensure that those involved in terrorist acts do not escape prosecution and punishment, and are extradited so that they cannot escape prosecution.
Mr Singh said attempts to distinguish between good and bad terrorists should be done away with, as this would be a mistake. The Home Minister said all member states who have not ratified SAARC convention on Mutual Assistance on Criminal Matters, need to ratify the same.
He said the dark clouds of terrorism are enveloping not only South Asia, but the entire world. Mr Singh said New Delhi has clearly given out its message against this evil which endangers humanity. He told Parliament that India will host SAARC Anti-Terrorism Mechanism meeting in September.
In Rajya Sabha, members cutting across party-lines supported the government in its fight against terrorism. Leader of Opposition in the House, Ghulam Nabi Azad condemned the approach of Islamabad to the media coverage. Derek O’ Brien of Trinamool Congress wanted to know whether Indian media was allowed to cover the function.
BSP Chief Ms Mayawati said there is need to get united to deal with terrorism. She said India should revisit its foreign policy towards Pakistan. Ramgopal Yadav of Samajwadi Party said Pakistan is allowing its soil for use by terrorists against India. Mr Yadav expressed satisfaction over Home Minister’s stand over terrorism in SAARC meeting.
Janata Dal (United) leader Sharad Yadav echoed similar views over India’s strong stand against terrorism. He said protocol was not followed during Singh’s visit and the way Home Minister was treated in Islamabad, is condemnable. There were media reports that Mr Singh’s statement was blacked out in Islamabad.
However, the External Affairs Ministry had yesterday said reports of blackout of Home Minister Rajnath Singh’s statement in SAARC meeting in Islamabad were misleading.
Sources in the Ministry said, it is the standard SAARC practice that the opening statement by the host country is public and open. They added that the rest of proceedings are in camera, which allows for a full and frank discussion of issues.