Some countries in UN not defining terrorism: M J Akbar

Expressing his disappointment with the UN, Akbar said, “UN was itself a product of World War II. It was a term created for the allies. There was clarity. Why is there no clarity on this?”

The minister was delivering the keynote address at the 17th International Seminar of NSG’s National Bomb Data Centre which saw participation from 12 countries with 38 representatives.

Akbar said that terrorism was the greatest threat to the world post-World War II and that India had constantly called for global cooperation in this fight. “There are no good terrorists or bad terrorists. Evil does not permit such complacent nuances. India is strongly committed to combat this menace in all its forms and manifestations. We strongly believe that those who provide safe havens and training to terrorists are no less guilty,” he said.

Akbar emphasised how India’s plurality, composite culture, democratic freedom, just Constitution and economic equity had prevented Indian Muslims from joining radical movements in large numbers. “Democracy means the right to speak freely every morning. Azaan has been heard in India for 1,400 years followed by bells tolling at Hanuman temple and Gurbani in Gurdwara,” he said.