By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter,
Ahmedabad: Amidst the growing controversy and criticism from several quarters, Gujarat Minister of State for Home, Rajni Patel, has assured her government will take action against policemen – if they are found guilty – responsible for conducting the recent anti-terror mock drills projecting Muslims as terrorists.
Couple of videos of mock anti-terror drill conducted by Surat and Narmada police has created a massive controversy as these show dummy terrorists depicted as Muslims.
Surat Police conducting anti-terror mock drill, dummy terrorist projected with skull cap [Photo courtesy: Amar Ujala]
In one video of the drill by Narmada district police, which surfaced on Thursday, policemen were seen holding two dummy terrorists shouting pro-Islamic slogans. It also shows policemen holding two dummy terrorists, shouting “take our lives, if you want. Islam Zindabad (long live Islam)”.
The government said on Friday that it will take action against those found guilty.
The other video of Narmada district police mock drill that has come to light showing similar exercise conducted by Surat-Rural police where dummy terrorists were made to wear skullcaps.
Reacting to the controversy as well as allegations of showing terrorists belonging to a particular religion, Minister Patel said terrorism should be treated in a neutral way. “As the Vibrant Gujarat Summit (event) is approaching, police department is conducting mock drills across the state to check their preparedness. Terrorism is just terrorism and it should not be linked with anything else,” Patel told media persons here on Friday.
To a query whether the state government will call for an inquiry, Patel said investigation is underway by Surat and Narmada police. “SPs of both the districts have been investigating the matter. We will take action based on the report submitted by them.”
Gujarat Chief Minister Anandi Ben has already apologized for the incidence portraying Muslims as terrorist when Surat police made dummy ‘terrorists’ wear skull cap, a symbol of a Muslim. “It’s wrong to link religion with terrorism. The issue has been resolved and the matter should be put to rest now. The mistake has been rectified,” she is reported to have told a TV news channel.