Non-violence best weapon to combat terrorism : Prez

Raipur, Sep 29 (UNI) President Pratibha Devisingh Patil today termed non-violence ''the most useful weapon to combat terrorism and separatism''.

Addressing the silver jubilee celebration of Women Post Graduate College here, the President said those who adopted the path of violence should know that they would ultimately get nothing but pain and destruction.

Ms Patil said, ''Problems can be solved through talks and proper interaction in a democratic set up. Non-violence and peace, which are the basic teachings of the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi, is the only way for the betterment and development of the nation.'' She also called upon the women to contribute extensively in nation building.

Expressing her special interest in women literacy and empowerment, the President said, ''These two aspects should be given utmost priority for the development of a nation.'' She said women should be well educated and self-reliant and the country can not march forward without the uplift of fifty per cent of the women population.

Earlier, a delegation of Chhattisgarh's Netaji Subhas Manch urged the President that a Bharat Ratna should be conferred posthumously on Netaji.

The Manch also requested Ms Patil to help in bringing out the truth behind Netaji's death, develop his birthplace in Cuttack and Jabalpur Jail where he was incarcerated for long.

The President was on a two-day visit to Chhattisgarh.

UNI AS-BDG SB KN2208