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'Vajpayee will burn RSS down'

Date: Wed, 23 Aug 2000, 17:33:00EST -0700
Subject: To Mr Vajpayee

We are angry and dispirited at the lacklustre response and the completely inappropriate measures taken by our government in handling the Kashmir situation. Mr Vajpayee's government, by unilaterally asking the Indian army to cease its operations against the terrorists, based merely on unverifiable assertions of a ceasefire by the Hizb, has allowed Islamic terrorists to massacre hundreds of innocent Hindus and has publicly tied the army's hands behind its back. For a Hindu nationalist government to take this road is, we believe, the worst kind of mistake, strategically and otherwise. Clearly, Mr Vajpayee's policies are directly responsible for the latest massacre of more than 100 people, mostly Hindus, in Kashmir and the recent murder of more than 16 policemen and soldiers. And what is worse, the government has not yet learned from its ill-informed actions and is willing entertain yet another negotiation with the Hizb.

Mr Vajpayee's eight months in office and that of our Home Minister L K Advani has been a classic case of "all bark and no bite." The BJP had assured the country that it would take decisive action to stamp out terrorism, to uphold the security and sanctity of the nation's borders and to protect the people. Beginning with the poor decision of not crossing the Line of Control during the Kargil conflict and the mishandling of the IC-814 hijacking, to the latest Kashmir blunders, the government has proved incapable of taking firm and correct decisions.

We are also dismayed by the latest report from the ministry of external affairs that the government is waiting for yet another massacre to take concrete action against Pakistan. Are we asking Pakistan to kill some more innocent men before we act? If this is not stupidity and cowardice, then what is?

We believe it is time for Prime Minister Vajpayee to resign and hand over the reins to someone more courageous and firm. His trip to the United States at this juncture may therefore be inappropriate as well as embarrassing to the people of Indian origin here. In solidarity with Kashmiri Hindus who have borne the brunt of Muslim terrorism and intransigence, we demand that Mr Vajpayee postpone his trip to the US until his government comes up with a more effective Kashmir policy.

The Government of India should accept moral responsibility for failure to protect innocent Hindu minorities in J and K. It is high time that the incompetent J and K state government be dismissed, the assembly dissolved and the region handed over to the Indian Army. That is the only way to assure the security of innocent civilians and restore the trust of the people in our government.

Dr Chanchal Chatterjee

Date: Wed, 23 Aug 2000, 16:55:09EST -0700
Subject: Vajpayee will burn RSS down

Even after acknowledging Prime Minister Vajpayee's failure in ensuring the nation's security many from the Sangh Parivar ask what harm can Vajpayee do to RSS compared to its sworn enemies!

It is a valid question. It also unfortunately describes their complacency. An insider can rip apart any organisation much more effectively than someone from outside can. The continuing association of the RSS with Vajpayee will burn the RSS permanently. Today, the RSS is a growing organisation with limited reach. If its so-called adherents like Vajpayee turn its philosophy on its head, act blatantly against national interest, and are still unable to raise vocal protests from the rank and file of the RSS, then people will wonder whether the RSS really believes in its own principles.

I am not making any accusations here. I am merely stating the obvious. If the RSS leadership lets Vajpayee off the hook this time just because he has been a lifelong "loyal" pracharak, then the RSS will lose whatever respect it has among the masses. The only right thing for the RSS leaders to do now is to force Vajpayee out of power. If they don't do this, it will be pretty clear where they stand with respect to nationalism.

Dr Madan Das Taneja

Date: Sat, 19 Aug 2000, 08:33:52EST -0400
Subject: Kashmir massacres: Night without end?

The logic is all very well. But the problem remains -- who will bell the cat? Who will go and make Vajpayee understand that enough is enough? His famous dualism will not solve any problem. He has blundered thrice in a span of just one year. He and his cabinet are giving the impression that they play only for the benefit of the so called International Gallery.

Anil Dutta

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