Five Times Rajnath Singh’s Speech Targeted Pakistan on Terror

His speech had carefully worded references to Pakistan’s role in supporting terrorism one way or another.

File photo of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh. (Photo: PTI)

Media discourse over Home Minister Rajnath Singh’s speech at the SAARC summit in Islamabad on Thursday was centered around a “media blackout” by Pakistan. The reports were refuted by the Ministry of External Affairs.

The speech was then made public and it had obvious, albeit carefully-worded, references to Pakistan and its role in shielding terrorists.

Singh, who spoke about a wide range of issues including terror atacks, drug trafficking and safety of women, had some strong points to make. Here are five instances where his talk was laden with implicit attacks at our neighbouring country.

Also Read: Kashmir Isn’t India’s Internal Matter: Sharif Before Rajnath Visit

Mention of Dhaka, Kabul and Pathankot

Terrorism remains the biggest challenge and threat to our peace. South Asia continues to be deeply affected by this malady, as witnessed most recently in cowardly terrorist attacks in Pathankot, Dhaka, Kabul and other places. Merely strong condemnation of such terrorist attacks is not enough. We must harden our resolve to eradicate this menace and also take serious steps to this end.

Hizbul Mujahideen’s 21-year-old poster boy Burhan Muzzafar Wani was shot dead on Friday by security forces. (Photo: altered by The Quint)

Burhan Wani: Terrorist or Martyr?

It also needs to be ensured that terrorism is not glorified and is not patronized by any state. One country’s terrorist cannot be a martyr or freedom fighter for anyone. In no circumstances should terrorists be eulogised as martyrs.

A Strong Message to Nations who Support Terrorism

Those who provide support, encouragement, sanctuary, safe haven or any assistance to terrorism or terrorists must be isolated. Strongest possible steps need to be taken not only against terrorists and terrorist organisations but also those individuals, institutions, organisations or nations that support them. 

A security personnel guards near the Pathankot Air Force base where an operation is carried out following the militants attack, in Pathankot, 5 January, 2016. (Photo: PTI)

There Can’t Be a Good-Bad Binary About Terrorists

If we are to rid ourselves of terrorism, we will have to genuinely believe that attempts to distinguish between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ terrorists are misleading.

Terrorism, in Any Form, is Not Justifed

No type of terrorism or support to it can be justified on any grounds whatsoever. Immediate and effective action is required against all those who support or encourage international terrorism in any way, whether they are state actors or non-state.