Pak epicentre of global terrorism: Shah

Vibha Sharma

Tribune News Service

Kozhikode, September 25

A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diplomatic response that evoked mixed reactions, BJP chief Amit Shah struck a more strident pose. Speaking at the BJP’s national council meeting, he attacked Pakistan calling Kashmir an integral part of India and asserting that “we will have the final victory against terrorism”.

While the PM, in a statesman like approach, talked of war, but against the social maladies—an attempt aimed at addressing both Indian and international audience, the BJP president’s speech was more in-your-face and direct, strictly meant for the in-house consumption.

The Uri attack was an outcome of frustration after security forces foiled 17 infiltration attempts, he said.

Warning Pakistan, he said, “This is a long war. If anyone thinks Uri is a conclusion, let me tell that the fight is on. The BJP is with the government and the final victory will be ours.”

“Let me assure that the BJP-led government has always had zero tolerance towards terrorism,” he said. “An appropriate reply will be given to the mischievous activities of terrorists and Pakistan,” he added.

And then, appealing to all political parties to join hand in the fight against terrorism, Shah said anyone who “day-dreams of taking away Kashmir should keep in mind that this is a BJP government and it will not allow it to happen”.

Shah said the statement by Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif at the UN General Assembly was a strong proof of the neighbouring country’s open endorsement of terrorism.

“Sharif terming a Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist a peace-loving youth has left the world baffled. Pakistan is spending billions of dollars to prepare terrorists to launch into the world. This is the reason Pakistan, over the past few years, has emerged as an epicentre of global terrorism,” he said.

“The country is committed to giving a strong reply to this Pakistan-sponsored terrorism,” he said asserting that it is no less than a war crime if terrorism becomes part of a government’s policy.

In a clear message to the Kashmiri separatists, Shah said the Centre would not have talks with those who did not believe in the Indian Constitution, but with only those who consider themselves Indians.