VHP warns of ''Gujarat-like'' situation in country

Mumbai, July 13 (UNI) Vishwa Hindu Parishad executive president Ashok Singhal has warned of a ''Gujarat-like situation'' in the country if the Centre failed to rein in ''Jehadi'' elements soon.

Mr Singhal was speaking to reporters here today after visiting the injured people in Tuesday's serial blasts. He said it was time for India to emulate the policies of the United States and United Kingdom in tackling terrorism.

Reacting to Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri's statement in a Channel interview on the serial blasts, that peace is based on a settlement of Jammu and Kashmir issue, Mr Singhal said it clearly indicts Pakistan's role in fomenting trouble in India and demanded that India stop its ''directionless'' dialogue with Pakistan.

Advocating the need for more stringent laws to curb terrorism, he said political parties should shun appeasement of minorities to gain power.

While alleging that the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) has been nurtured due to an unchecked growth of ''Madrasas'', he said ''Madrasas'' should be merged into the mainstream education system of the country.

Prof Vyankatesh Abdeo, VHP joint secretary, who was also present on the occasion, claimed his organisation and the Intelligence Bureau had time and again provided vital information to the Anti Terrorist Squad and police to avert the Tuesday disaster.

He said the serial blasts and other incidents could have been avoided if the police had taken appropriate action after the arrest of terrorists and seizure of weapons and explosives from them in Aurangabad and Beed districts of the State.

Acharya Vishweshwar Anand Maharaj said the blasts were an attack on the Indian sovereignity. ''The attacks are continuing unabatedly since Independence and people will not tolerate it for long,'' he said. He advocated for a uniform civil code.

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