SPEECH

Let Us Stand United : Sonia Gandhi
Intervention by Smt. Sonia Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition, on 19th December, 2001 in Lok Sabha

Mr. Speaker Sir,

This session will go down in the annals of our Parliamentary history because of the dastardly terrorist attack which took place on 13th December. It was not merely an attack on the magnificent edifice, our Parliament House, it was a vicious attack on a magnificent institution, the symbol of all those values that we cherish, the symbol of our vibrant democracy.

DEMOCRACY : In our vicinity, the meaning of this word can never be understood. In our vicinity, they can never pride themselves of such an institution. On a number of occasions, when attempts were made to establish democracy, those attempts have invariably been crushed and trampled upon by the heavy boot of the military.

We remain beholden to, Speaker Sir and we salute all those in the Security Department of the Parliament House, the paramilitary forces and the Delhi Police who laid down their lives in the line of duty on that dreadful day. The task before the Central and State Governments and all of us belonging to political parties is to ensure that their families are given the support they deserve from a grateful nation.

Sir, the incident uncovers many issues relating to the security of the nation and our people. I hope the Government will look into and share with the nation the reasons why the terrorists could make all preparations unhindered, could actually enter the premises of Parliament and literally knock at the doors of our Parliament House, despite prior information. I regret to point out that the Government’s statement on the incident is more notable for conspicuous ommissions rather than for new revelations. It is obvious the security arrangements in Parliament and other sensitive places need to be reviewed and revamped.

Sir, at this critical juncture, the need of the hour is for the Government and all political parties to rise above partisan considerations. The need of the hour is for all concerned to desist from using the occasion to raise such contentious issues that divide our plural society. This is a moment when the entire country must stand together in solidarity. The Government shoulders a major responsibility for creating this solidarity.

I wish to assure you and the Government, Sir, that the Congress Party will back the Government in its efforts to track down and bring to justice terrorists who threaten the nation’s integrity today.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, we believe that the Government must also consult and interact with the representatives of the entire political spectrum and on key strategic issues, we believe it is necessary to think through all the pros and cons.

Finally, Sir, we feel that much greater efforts are required at this moment to mobilize world opinion in our favour. Since we have been at the receiving end of terrorism for a long time culminating in that terrible Thursday, we should be able to embark upon a concreted diplomatic offensive and garner the full support of the intenational community for our nation’s just cause.

Thank You.