2. Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, when questioned about UPA’s dismal performance to tackle terror, raised the Kandahar episode in his defence “ I am not a weak Prime Minister. We sent commandos to fight terrorists in Mumbai, unlike the BJP, which sent its External Affair Minister to surrender at Kandahar.” Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in his interaction with members of the Women’s Press Corps, at Taj Palace in New Delhi (10 April, 2009)
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5. Bringing up Kandahar to hide the shame of Mumbai 26/11 is a blatant attempt by Congress to hide its govt.’s complete failure to deal with terror Home ground Hostile ground: Taliban controlled and Pakistan-supported Afghanistan Surprise hijack in foreign territory of Nepal Prior Intelligence reports of terrorist entering via sea ignored by PM, Defence Minister and NSA. One civilian casualty Nearly 200 civilians dead Public sentiment in favor of unpleasant decision taken by Govt. in extra-ordinary circumstances Huge outcry in public against government's inefficiency If the UPA Government was not at fault, why were the Union Home Minister and the Maharshtra Chief Minister sacked after the incident??
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7. The Opposition, which accuses BJP for being soft on terrorists during Kandahar, was itself putting pressure to secure the safety of hostages The then Opposition, including the Congress, asked the government to save lives of hostage as priority during the All-party meeting “ The all-party meeting has left the final decision on what needed to be done on the government. .. However, they cautioned the government that whatever decision it takes must be taken keeping in mind the interests and safety of the passengers who were on board the star-crossed aircraft. “ - Rediff.com, 27 December, 1999 Current Home Minister P. Chidambaram himself endorsed the decision “ I do not know how I would have reacted if 150 families came to my doorstep and pleaded that the lives of their loved ones in that aircraft must be saved. It is easy to criticize but if one is in that position, it is a very difficult decision.” "It (No negotiation with terrorists) is a wholesome principle but I agree that it is an over-simplification....I am not sure. I don't know whether it can be applied in all situations" - P Chidambaram at NDTV Awards Function on 21tst January, 2009
8. Earlier governments have shown no hesitation to release terrorists when faced with less demanding situations DECISION MAKER: V.P. Singh PARTY: JANATA DAL RUBAIYA’S ABDUCTION (Aug 1991) 8 militants released Rubaiya, daughter of Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, was kidnapped by militants SETTLEMENT: Six days later, 8 separatists including Pakistan-trained Sher Khan, Noor Mohammed Kalwal, Altaf Ahmad and Javed Ahmed Jargar were released HAZRATBAL SEIGE (Sep-Oct 1993) 40 militants given safe passage 40 armed JKLF militants occupied the holy Hazratbal shrine and held nearly 170 civilians hostage for six weeks SETTLEMENT: Militants given safe passage on the understanding that they will give themselves up to the local police and not the army, and their bail applications will not be contested. In six months all were freed and escaped. DECISION MAKER: PM P.V. Narasimha Rao PARTY: CONGRESS
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11. VOTE FOR CHANGE!! Bring an end to the blood-shed. Vote for a strong leader and a decisive government
