'Change rulers if they fail to change terror policy'

New Delhi, Nov 22: Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today exhorted the youth to press the government to change its soft policy towards terrorists otherwise they themselves should change the rulers lock, stock and barrel.

Addressing a massive rally of BJP workers at Parliament Street here to demand immediate execution of Mohammad Afzal, the convict in the December 13, 2001 Parliament attack, the former PM categorically asked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi to make their stand clear on according death sentence to the convict.

The rally addressed by senior BJP leaders, including L K Advani, and Rajnath Singh, also saw thousands of partymen courting arrests including 166 MPs. They were later released.

Mr Vajpayee said the government was unclear and dithered on dealing with terrorists. Sometimes, they accused Pakistan of sponsoring terror only to concede a little later that Pakistan too was was a 'victim' of terror. ''The government says it wants to have a dialogue with terrorists but does not specify its policies in dealing with terror traders.'' ''The flip-flop policy of the government cannot be tolerated any further and it cries for a change. Let this rally begin a new chapter and an awakening to bring the youth together to change the present situation,'' he said.

Explaining the rationale behind holding a rally outside Parliament when it should have been done inside the House, Mr Vajpayee said Parliament was not allowed to discharge its duty. Five years ago, the terrorists sought to attack and destroy Parliament and the brave securitymen saved it along with the democracy, laying down their lives. ''After a few days, we will lay wreath at their plaque in Parliament. Let us all ponder honestly with our conscience and answer the question if we are discharging our duties properly.

What is the policy of the government towards handling terror which is challenging the very authority of the governance?,'' he asked.

UNI

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