Advani concerned over Karnataka becoming 'terrorist hub'

Davanagere, Karnataka, Feb 13 (UNI) Senior BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition L K Advani today expressed concern over Karnataka becoming a hub of terrorist activities.

Speaking after inaugurating a private Engineering College here, he said, ''it is worrying to learn that Karnataka is becoming a hub for terrorists organisations like SIMI, which have links with extremist outfits abroad and seemed to be spreading its tentacles in the state,'' he added.

Mr Advani said the previous NDA Government at the Centre had taken stringent measures to end terrorist menace in the country.

''The NDA Government had taken firm permanent measures, especially by adopting a 'no non-sense approach' to combat terrorism. We did so because we believed that our achievements and future plans will lead to naught, if we allow the twin dangers of 'Jehadi terrorism' and 'Maoism' to carry on their murderous campaigns in India.'' The BJP leader also expressed concern over some young students and professionals from Karnataka getting into the terror net.

He said, ''the government of the day, be it in New Delhi or in the state cannot take a soft approach to this menace for short term political consideration.'' During the NDA rule, the slogan should have been 'India Rising' and not 'India Shining', he added.

''Many of you here will recall that there used to be a lot of debate in the earlier decades about the phenomena called ''Brain Drain' and it is good to know that there is now a reversal trend called 'Brain Gain' he said.

UNI XR MSP SJ SB KN2117