Hindu terror is a misnomer, says RSS chief

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has taken a strong exception to the use of the term 'Saffron or Hindu terror' and said that terrorism and Hindus cannot be related to each other. Addressing the annual Dussera rally at the Reshim Bagh ground in Nagpur, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said, "Terrorism and Hindus are an oxymoron and can never be related to each other. This was an attempt to weaken the strength of the Hindus in India and at the same time to appease the Muslims." 

A handful of incidents involving Hindus were reported and for that to blame the entire Hindu community was improper and unjust, Bhagwat said. "Hindus are generally not involved in terrorism," hesaid. Ridiculing the inept handling of terrorism in the country, Bhagwat said that has probably prompted the government to describe Hindu terror in the country. "These are sinister conspiracy to mislead the Hindus through a campaign of lies and defame Hindu saints and noble citizens," Bhagwat said citing the example of defaming of Kanchi Shankarayacharya in the alleged murder case and subsequent harassments.

On the Ram Mandir issue, Bhagwat said the Allahabad High Court judgement is an opportunity presented by the destiny to every section of the society and particularly Muslims in the country for a new begining in the spirit of affectionate co-existence.

"The Ram Mandir is our pride and there are hundreds of Ram Mandirs in the county but Ayodhya was significant since it was the birth place of Lord Rama. It is a national monument. It was demolished by then rulers to create a new structure," Bhagwat said.

"The High Court verdict has provided a golden chance to bury our communal differences and march with hands together," he added. Criticising the secularists, Bhagwat said, "Till the pronouncement of verdict, we were often asked will you abide by the HC decision. The verdict was not at all against any one but some people weren't expecting it.

"Its question of seeking votes from a certain quarter. Some people are indulging in a divide policy and he warned Hindus to beware of such people.

On the Kashmir situation, Bhagwat said, "The crisis in Kashmir has become serious and complicated since we neglected Baltistan and Gilgit which has become part of Pakistan. Now China is attempting to encircle India by positioning its Army in these regions." The United States is looking for a safe passage from Afghanistan and secure foothold in Kashmir with the help of Pakistan, he said.

Speaking further on Kashmir, Bhagwat said the Valley is not the entire Jammu and Kashmir which has three regions. "Even in the Valley not all but a small minority is clamouring for autonomy and dreaming of independence by promoting seccessionism," he said.

"At the same time it is imperative on our part to appreciate the feelings, needs and aspirations of various other sections like patriotic Muslims, Gujjar-Bakarwals, Shias, Sikhs and Hindus including the Kashmiri Pandits and Buddhists. The displaced Pandits must return to their homes and dignity," he said. When asked about the ways to prevent any threat to India, Bhagwat said, "We need to do lot more in our military, political and economic strategy, our ledaership must be alert and the public must make up its mind to combat any threat to the country."

On the issue of Maoists, the RSS chief said that the government is stuck up with internal squabbles over question of firmly dealing with Maoists. "There is a need for credible efforts to make the administration transparent and accountable in Naxal affected areas," Bhagwat added.

Noted musician, Hridaynath Mangeshkar was the chief guest of the occasion.