VHP to drop Ayodhya if Pak attacked

| 15 December 2001 21:36 IST

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad has given an indication to reconsider demand of reconstructing Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya, if India declares war on Pakistan to put an end to terrorism.

Pravin Togadia, the international general secretary of the VHP, during his visit here said they are prepared to reconsider some of the vital issues in the interest of national security, which is of utmost importance.

Though he did not specifically made a mention of the Ayodhya issue, Togadia also did not deny that Ram temple is not among the vital issues for reconsideration he was referring to, while replying to a specific query. "There are many vital issues", he quipped.

However, he said, their struggle on Ayodhya issue will continue, announcing a plan to march on Parliament with 5000 sadhus and saints on 27 January. The Hindutva organisation in the meanwhile is planning nation-wide rallies from 16 to 22 December, pressing for its demands on terrorism.

"Declare Pakistan as a terrorist state, snap all the political ties and take a pro-active step by sending troops to flush out all the terrorists", demanded Togadia, at a press conference held in Panaji today morning.

Describing the terrorist attack on the Parliament House as a war against India waged by the Jehadi elements supported by Pakistan, the VHP leader asked why India cannot take an offensive step if the US can attack Afghanistan and Israel can cordon Palestine, in order to curb terrorism.

He also felt that India should continue its war against Pakistan till elements like Dawood Ibrahim, Azhar Masood and office bearers of Jihad Council, consisting of 17 terrorist outfits, are handed over to the Indian army.

In an attempt to establish a link between Pakistan and the terrorists who attacked the Parliament House, Togadia alleged that one of the terrorist was heard giving 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans.

"Even Pakistan, while condemning the attack on Parliament House, did not describe them as terrorists but armed intruders", he pointed out.

According to him, India should not keep quite any more after claiming 50,000 lives in the last 12 years and spending Rs 65,000 crore to fight cross-border terrorism. He also expressed regrets that the Congress is opposing POTO to protect its Muslim vote bank, at the cost of country's security.

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