Aligarh, Mar 10 (UNI) Expressing concern over growing acts of terror in the country, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee today said the only way to curb the menace was to adopt a policy of 'zero tolerance', anywhere and everywhere.
Strongly condemning those chauvinistic elements in the country who were weakening India's fight against terror by assaulting the country's secular order, he said, ''A terrorist is a terrorist. The punishment should be made more stringent to the perpetrators of terrorism.'' ''I am aware that the assault on our secular order is taking place even as there are deep concerns meant for the standing of a larger Muslim community in India, which especially in North India, is being seen as deprived and marginalised,'' he stated at the 57th annual convocation of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).
Referring to the issue of social and educational backwardness among Muslims in the country, Mr Mukherjee said,'' No nation can aspire to greatness when large sections of its population are excluded from the benefits of national achievement and progress.'' '' The UPA Government stands committed to ensuring that the matters pertaining to the Muslim community's welfare and progress are addressed,'' he added.
Highlighting the Indian foreigh policy, Mr Mukerjee said it ''reflects our national ethos of secularism and democracy''. Its primary task is to facilitate India's developmental process in harmony with its neighbours, he added.
He called upon neighbouring countries to join hands with India in a drive to make Indian sub-continet prosperous by promoting a free flow of goods and services that can transform and modernise the entire region.
Mr Mukherjee said: '' I believe that India with its rich history of linkages in other parts of Asia, and its adherence to the values of democracy and secularism, is well-equipped to participate in the global effort that rejects the 'clash-of-civilizations' thesis and promotes dialogue, understanding and cooperation among different role-players in the international arena.'' UNI XC DKA AT RS1726
Strongly condemning those chauvinistic elements in the country who were weakening India's fight against terror by assaulting the country's secular order, he said, ''A terrorist is a terrorist. The punishment should be made more stringent to the perpetrators of terrorism.'' ''I am aware that the assault on our secular order is taking place even as there are deep concerns meant for the standing of a larger Muslim community in India, which especially in North India, is being seen as deprived and marginalised,'' he stated at the 57th annual convocation of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).
Referring to the issue of social and educational backwardness among Muslims in the country, Mr Mukherjee said,'' No nation can aspire to greatness when large sections of its population are excluded from the benefits of national achievement and progress.'' '' The UPA Government stands committed to ensuring that the matters pertaining to the Muslim community's welfare and progress are addressed,'' he added.
Highlighting the Indian foreigh policy, Mr Mukerjee said it ''reflects our national ethos of secularism and democracy''. Its primary task is to facilitate India's developmental process in harmony with its neighbours, he added.
He called upon neighbouring countries to join hands with India in a drive to make Indian sub-continet prosperous by promoting a free flow of goods and services that can transform and modernise the entire region.
Mr Mukherjee said: '' I believe that India with its rich history of linkages in other parts of Asia, and its adherence to the values of democracy and secularism, is well-equipped to participate in the global effort that rejects the 'clash-of-civilizations' thesis and promotes dialogue, understanding and cooperation among different role-players in the international arena.'' UNI XC DKA AT RS1726
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