PM should convene a CMs' conference to tackle terror: BJP

New Delhi, May 15 (UNI) Alarmed at the increasing terrorists attacks on economic growth centres of the country, the BJP today demanded Prime Minister Manmohan Singh convene a conference of the Chief Ministers of the country to consider all effective measures against terrorism and its sponsorers.

BJP spokesman Ravishankar Prasad said there had been 22 major terror incidents during the UPA regime compared to five in the NDA government targeting all economic centres, including Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore before targeting Jaipur, a major international tourist destination on May 13 claiming over 60 lives. ''It is time for the Chief Ministers of the country representing the entire political spectrum of the country to give a fitting response to the terrorism in national interest, he said, adding the nation can't continue to pay such heavy price forever,'' he stated.

During the NDA regime 2,500 terrorists were killed in the country annually while the number dropped down to 1,200 under the UPA.

Terrorist incidents were no longer confined to the North-East and Jammu and Kashmir but dangerously spread in the hinterland of India.

He said the Congress government first dumped TADA, its own anti-terror legislation by allowing TADA bill to lapse in Parliament by the P V Narasimha Rao regime and while the UPA repealed POTA after assuming office. The Government has sent a strong message to the terrorists and their bosses that they could pressurise the country through an orchestrated campaign if the security forces were to interrogate and act against the terror suspects.

The very fact that Parliament-enacted POTA showed that country's resolve to fight terror enabling the security forces to apprehend not just those involved but also their supporters, patrons, facilitators and sleeper cells. The repeal caused immense demoralisation of security forces and created a feeling that the political leadership was floundering in fighting terror. Terrorists had also taken human rights route to stifle investigations and they knew that their voice could alter votes.

He said the BJP was not interested in trading charges but it was time for the entire political forces to join hands to fight terrorists and their bosses.

Answering questions, he said there was a need for the Centre and states to work jointly sharing credible intelligence available with them and save innocent lives of all faiths from being killed.

The security forces will have to be unshackled and allowed a free hand to combat terror.

The country should ensure Bangladesh to extend a helping hand in curbing terror in the light of reports that terrorist organisations based in that country were behind many terror attacks in India.

Asked if the BJP would support setting up of Federal Investigation Agency, he said, the party would give its considered response if the government were to seek the party's view on the issue.

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