Press Statement by
Shri Lal Krishna Advani
Leader of the Opposition, Lok Sabha

Neutralise the Terrorists

I have read with grave consternation the gunning down of 11 innocent people yesterday, in two separate incidents of violence in the North Cachar Hills in Assam, by suspected terrorists of the Dima Halam Daogah (Jewel) group. In one incident five trucks were intercepted and their drivers, handymen and labourers taken to a lonely spot and shot dead. In the other incident, a goods train was fired at. This is mindless violence at its worst that would serve no purpose whatsoever. And what should be of concern to all is that these incidents might adversely impact the developmental works that are currently on in the hill district.

This episode is an example of the recurring failure of the Congress government in combating terror. Just a month back there was a bomb blast at Howraghat where more than 40 people were injured. Several such incidents in the previous few months have shown that the Congress government either does not have a strategy, or the will, to neutralise the terrorist groups operating in the state.

I have seen that the media in Assam refer to the perpetrators of these crimes as militants. There is no military valour in gunning down innocent citizens. Therefore I strongly urge the Assamese media to term them as terrorists. I also urge the state administration to demonstrate the highest resolve and determination to exterminate all such threats to civil society.

At this hour, I convey my deepest sympathies to the families of those that have lost their lives. I also take this opportunity to salute and pay tribute to the spirit of train driver Shri N N Bora, whose presence of mind and prompt action led to the saving of several lives, even though he had to sacrifice his life in doing so.