UPA govt patronising terrorism: BJP

Ranchi, Oct 29 (UNI) The BJP today alleged that the UPA government at the Centre was patronising terrorists.

Party's Jharkhand unit president Yadunath Pandey told a news conference that the policies of the Union Government had rather emboldened the terrorists, and cited the postponement of Afzal Guru's death sentence.

The Supreme Court had pronounced the death sentence to Afzal and he was to be hanged on October 20.

Expressing anguish over the statements of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Gulam Nabi Azad and ex-chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed favouring delay in death sentence of Afzal Guru, Mr Pandey said it was matter of great concern that people from the UPA were siding with a man, who had conspired against the nation.

''The NDA government had brought in POTA to contain terrorism but the UPA government repealed it,'' he lamented, demanding Centre bring a stringent anti-terror law.

He said the BJP would launch a nationwide agitation against terrorism from November 22. The partymen would gherao Parliament on November 22. A signature campaign would also be launched in Jharkhand from November 15 to 22 demanding implementation of death sentence to Afzal.

On the issue of three suspended MLAs, Mr Pandey said showcause notices would be served on them.

Party's state unit had suspended legislators - Ravindra Rai, Vishnu Bhaiya and Kunti Singh for involvement in "anti-party activities".

UNI AM PC/SRC VD BD1755