DYFI campaign against terrorism

Ref: The Hindu, July15, 2010

Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) State secretary T.V. Rajesh said here on Monday that the faithful should come forward to prevent any attempt to convert places of worship into arsenals.


Addressing a prèss conference at the Pathanamthitta Press Club, he said the DYFI would take out a 'Jagrata Parade' on Wednesday by mobilising secular-minded people. He said DYFI activists would conduct a door-to-door anti-separatist and anti-terrorist campaign in the State in August.

Mr. Rajesh said the seizure of weapons from a place of worship at Edakkad Manjapra in Kannur was a matter of concern.

He alleged that the Popular Front of India (PFI) was trying to promote terrorism and separatism in the State. “The Leader of the Opposition Oommen Chandy, who normally reacted to even flimsy things, was maintaining a studied silence against the anti-national activities of the PFI,'' he said. The Congress-led United Democratic Front had joined hands with the NDF's political arm, SDPI, in the previous Parliament elections. The UDF had campaigned in Malappuram and Kannur with the SDPI as its political partner, he said.

Mr. Rajesh said CPI(M) State secretary Pinarayi Vijayan and Congress leader Aryadan Mohammed had publicly stated that they did not solicit NDF votes, adding that Mr. Chandy should clarify whether he endorsed their view.

He called upon the people to join hands above political differences for protecting the national integrity as well as secular credentials of the country.

Mr. Rajesh said the State government had already taken steps to prevent separatist activities and any lapse in its implementation level should be viewed seriously.

N. Sajikumar, DYFI State vice-president, and Francis V. Antony, district president, were also present.