It is obvious that Pakistan's humiliating failure to achieve its objectives in the Kargil war has led it to intensify the terrorist campaign against India in various forms. The latest act of hijacking an Indian plane follows a spate of terrorist attacks against our security forces in recent months. The BJP urges the Government and the people to jointly fight terrorism with the spirit of Kargil. The powerful fist of unity that Indians displayed during the Kargil war was a source of great strength for our jawans as well as the Government. India needs to show similar resolve in combating terrorism, which is nothing but war by other means and in which every citizen is a soldier.
Terrorism is a scourge against humanity.
When mixed with religious fanaticism, however, it becomes an even greater threat to peace, national unity and international and inter-religious concord. Since terrorism bred by religious fanaticism has today become a global menace, the BJP thinks that India, as one of its chief victims, should take the lead in mobilising an effective global opinion against it. There is also an urgent need to strengthen the functioning of our intelligence and security agencies at all levels. These too should work in close concert with all other agencies world-wide tasked with countering terrorism. The National Executive condemns the killing of Rupen Katyal, one of the passengers on the hijacked plane, and sends its condolences to the bereaved family.