The controversial Batla house episode has proved to be a key input in shaping the Congress view on terrorism as the party has affirmed that the war on terrorism must be firmly grounded in the principles of secularism.
In its draft election manifesto, the Congress has sought to clear the confusion on the matter within by asserting that terrorism does not have any religion, and therefore it is the terrorists who must be targeted, not the communities.
The BJP, in its political resolution passed at the Nagpur national council meet earlier this week, had come down sharply on the UPA?s approach on terrorism, charging that its commitment to vote bank politics was coming in the way of fighting terrorism.
The main opposition had pointed to the manner in which senior Congress leaders and ministers repeatedly demanded a probe into the Batla house incident, while the government subsequently awarded the Ashok Chakra to the police officer killed in the encounter.
Responding to the BJP?s charge that it has been soft on terror, the Congress has contended that it will ensure strong laws without denying the protection of law to all. Having pushed through the bill to set up a federal agency to combat terrorism, the Congress promises to give unstinted assistance to states under the aegis of the newly established National Intelligence Agency (NIA).
The Congress draft manifesto further asserts that all its options would remain open while dealing with terrorism originating and supported from foreign soil. Hinting at a rather strong line against Pakistan, the draft document gives a clear indication about the Congress intent to continue with the freeze on the Indo-Pak dialogue process. Only a clear demonstration by Pakistan to India?s satisfaction of its sincerity of purpose and moves decisively against terrorists and terrorist groups based on its soil, will lead to resumption of the composite dialogue, the document says.
The BJP, on the other hand, has contended that it will support all initiatives of the government, but the latter has to commit that the terrorists, their handlers and patrons in the Pakistani establishment will not be spared at all. It has also demanded that all trade, transport, tourism and cultural ties with Pakistan be snapped and the Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad be recalled if Pakistan does not take proper action including handing over all the terrorists involved in Mumbai and other terrorists attacks.
The party has also declared that it will raise tribal battalions besides substantially increasing intake of minorities in the police and paramilitary forces.