New Delhi: In a move to cut across party lines and continue with the legacy left behind by the erstwhile UPA government, the Modi-led government has decided to continue the tradition of observing May 21 as anti-terrorism day, also marking Rajiv Gandhi’s death anniversary.
The Union home ministry on Monday wrote to the secretaries of all Central ministries/departments and chief secretaries of all states, directing that May 21, like every year, be observed as anti-terrorism day by organizing various activities, including an anti-terror pledge-taking ceremony in all government offices, PSUs and public institutions.
“The objective behind observance of this day is to wean away the youth from terrorism and the cult of violence by highlighting the sufferings of common people and showing as to how it is prejudicial to the national interest,” joint secretary (administration) in the home ministry said in his letter to the Central ministries and states.
Detailing the activities that could be observed, he suggested organising of debates and discussions in schools and colleges; holding of seminars and lectures on dangers of terrorism and violence; and a drive to bring about a mass awakening against terrorism through appropriate projection in the media.
This is the first anti-terrorism day to be observed since the Modi government took charge. Last year, it remained a low-key event, limited to the bureaucracy, as the new government was yet to be sworn in.
Former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated on May 21, 1991, by a suicide squad of Liberation of Tamil Tigers Eelam (LTTE), while attending a rally in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu.