New Delhi: Facing repeated onslaughts from activists on involvement of some RSS members in bomb blasts, BJP`s newly formed Human Rights Cell held a seminar aimed at
changing these "misperceptions" with party President Nitin Gadkari attacking those talking about human rights of terrorists and separatists.
"Unfortunately, today terrorists and separatists are claiming benefits of this (human rights). Will terrorists and separatists in this country use human rights to blackmail our
police and administration?" Gadkari asked in his speech at the BJP Human Rights Cell inauguration.
Without naming famous author-activist Arundhati Roy, he said some activists were speaking against the interest of the nation in the name of human rights.
"Some people from our country, who have won big awards, are talking about things which go against the country. They praise terrorists. We have definitely got rights, freedom of speech but it does not mean we, instead of working for our
country`s unity and integrity, start adopting a soft attitude towards nations opposed to us. And talk about human rights of those who want to divide this country. I feel this is wrong," Gadkari said.
After some top level RSS members were named in the Rajasthan ATS charge sheet, BJP has faced criticism in recent days from some activists.
The right-wing party has always maintained that several activist organisation have spread misperceptions about it and labelled the organisation anti-human rights.
Gadkari asked BJP`s Human Rights Cell to work not only for the welfare of the deprived and the vulnerable sections but also against terrorists and separatists.
"This Cell should work for the rights of the exploited, women, tribals, farmers, and those denied health services. But they should also oppose terrorists and separatists. Human rights is not for them. And what human rights for those who want to overthrow this country`s social set-up?" Gadkari said.
"To give protection to separatists and terrorists would be betrayal to the country," he added.
In his address, Gadkari also mentioned the plight of poor farmers, saying, "More than 10 lakh farmers have committed suicides as the government failed to meet their minimum
requirements....Our government is not ready to give ‘roti’ to those who cannot feed themselves," he said.
He alleged that the "justice system in the country is worrying."
"Poor do not get justice and do not have the strength to fight for it. To protect their human rights we need some aware and active workers to come forward to provide them justice. I hope this HR Cell will strive to deliver this," he said.
PTI
