BJP PRESIDENT’S SPEECH

INTERNATIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCE ON TERRORISM

February 10, 2003

I am extremely happy that the Bharatiya Janata Party Yuva Morcha, the BJP Youth Wing, has taken the initiative to organize an international conference on the very important issue of terrorism. I think that this is the first time that the Yuva Morcha has stepped into international waters. It is good that there should be party-to-party contact and that the youth wings should also follow suit. Such contacts lead to proper understanding and appreciation of each other’s point of view.

It is important to fight terrorism but it is equally important to see that no credibility is given to countries and organizations that directly or indirectly help the cause of terrorism. I welcome the decision of the Government to close the office of the Hurriyat in Delhi. No organization will be allowed to speak for the cause of another country and against the nation.

Pakistan has become the epicenter of terrorism. Taliban has shifted headquarters to Pakistan. Pakistan’s is a classic case of typical double-speak-fighting terrorism along with the International Community even as it encourages cross-border terrorism on its eastern borders. How does anyone explain this? There are serious problems on the terrorism front and we are the worst victims.

Terrorism not only destroys human life but also wastes national resources. In the vicious cycle caused by the conditions of insecurity and violence of terrorism development suffers and lack of development leads to alienation. We have to go to the root of the problem and fight the ideology of those who feel that senseless violence is the only path to archive ends. Let us remember that terrorism spares none: Not its opponents, not those who are neutral and not even those who support it.

The International Community must come together with collective will and speak in once voice. It must also prepare a concrete action plan to fight this menace.

Security forces can take care of the security threat but it is only the force of the youth which alone has to be the most potent tool in combating and negativating the forces of terrorism.