Ashok Singhal And Praveen Togadia In Coimbatore
Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leaders Ashok Singhal and Praveen Togadia in Coimbatore on Monday called upon the Centre to enact “anti-jihadi terrorism laws”.Talking to reporters, Mr. Singhal, international president of the VHP, said the United Kingdom, known for very liberal laws with the focus on human rights, had a strong anti-terror law, while India had withdrawn the Prevention of Terrorist Activities Act (POTA). The recent incidents indicated that ‘jihadi’ militants wanted to terrorise and kill politicians, industrialists and intellectuals, Mr. Singhal said. The arrest of a person with explosives at Tirunelveli on Sunday proved that no corner or part of the State was free from ‘jihadi’ activities.Mr. Singhal said the VHP would observe anti-‘jihadi’ terrorism campaign from July 29 to August 3 to create public awareness.
He urged Home Minister Shivraj Patil to ban the proposed freedom march on August 15 by the Popular Front of India at Madurai, Wayanad, Kochi and Mangalore. There was widespread resentment over the denial of land for the Amarnath Shrine Board, Mr. Singhal said. Accusing the government of giving wrong information about Ramar Sethu -- that Ram himself had destroyed the bridge -- he said the Centre should declare Ramar Sethu as a historical monument before Pooja holidays, failing which Hindu organisations would launch agitation.
