ABPS bats for friendly ties with neighbours for regional peace

Says after many years a team committed to the Bharatiya philosophy is at the centre of decision making

Amid incidents of cross-border skirmishes and an influx of illegal migrants, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)’s top decision-making body, Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS), on Friday made a strong pitch for India to extend friendly relations with neighbouring countries for peace in the region. The three-day event started in Nagpur on Friday.

ABPS said a positive cooperative dialogue from our neighbouring countries is also expected, especially when faith is the basis of such friendship.

ABPS strongly expressed its displeasure over Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed giving credit for the peaceful Assembly elections to terrorists, Hurriyat Conference and Pakistan. “This statement is undesirable in all respects. The credit of peaceful elections in J&K should be given only to peace-loving citizens of the state, political parties, the defence and security forces, administrative officers and the Election Commission,” said the RSS’ annual report, presented by General Secretary Bhayyaji Joshi.

Further, ABPS praised the BJP’s sterling performance in the Lok Sabha elections, saying this is the first time that the society has expressed its faith by bringing to power a political party inspired by Bharatiya thought and ideology. “After many years, a team committed to the Bharatiya philosophy is at the centre of decision-making,” the report said.

Listing out priorities for Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government, ABPS said it should focus on national security, self-respect, sovereignty and fulfillment of desires and aspirations of the common man.

“There is a need to define the concept of development in the light of the reflections of the great Bharatiya thinkers-sages as well as Bharatiya lifestyle and values. The foremost priority should be on the rural life, culture, needs and aspirations of the schedule castes and scheduled tribes,” ABPS added.

Lauding the Centre's decision to launch Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Ganga Suraksha, ABPS said this can be successful only with the cooperation of the public.

The RSS observed that the aggrieved anti-national forces are making an issue of unnecessary things and trying to pollute the atmosphere in the country. ABPS said the people of Bharat should remain aware in this context and all nationalist forces should join hands to take the initiative in this direction.