RSS remembers Kanshi Ram; Afzal issue to dominate meet

Varanasi, Oct 13 (UNI) The RSS today paid tributes to BSP founder Kanshi Ram and Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan before the start of its three-day All India Karyakari Mandal meeting here which will discuss the growing demand for clemency to 2001 Parliament attack mastermind Mohammed Afzal Guru.

The meeting being attended by 350 representatives of the RSS and like-minded organisations will deliberate on critical national issues including the vortex of Islamic terrorism and Maoist extremism in the country, national executive member Ram Madhav informed.

''Terrorism and Maoist extremism are likely to dominate deliberations of our policy making body, especially when voices are being raised to demand clemency to Afzal,'' he added.

Besides, other important issues like growing interference of state in Ram Mandir temple issue will also be discussed at the meet being attended by RSS chief K Sudarshan, Sar Karyavah Mohan Bhagwat, Sah Sar Karyavah Suresh Soni, besides BJP leaders Bal Apte and Sanjay Joshi, VHP president Ashok Singhal and general secretary Pravin Togadia.

The meet began this morning with the customary 'Vaidik Mangalacharan' followed by the lighting of inaugural lamp by Mr Sudarshan.

Before the commencement of deliberations, the gathering paid tributes to 60 departed souls, including Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan, BSP president Kanshi Ram, hotelier and MP Lalit Suri, BJP leader Pramod Mahajan, music director Naushad, Kannada actor Rajkumar, novelist Manohar Shyam Joshi and columnist Bhanu Pratap Shukla.

The gathering also mourned the loss of life in the recent Mumbai and Malegaon blasts.

UNI ARS VS AK BS1733