This Article is From Jan 02, 2015

Gujarat Again. Cops Make Dummy Terrorists Shout 'Islam Zindabad'

In the latest video, police are seen holding two men playing the part of terrorists at Narmada dam in Gujarat

Narmada: A video of an anti-terror drill showing dummy terrorists shouting a pro-Islamic slogan emerged in Gujarat on Thursday, a day after a massive controversy over a similar exercise by the state police featuring men wearing skull caps, suggesting that terrorists are Muslims.

In the latest video, cops are seen holding two men playing the part of terrorists at the site of the Narmada dam in Kevadia area of Narmada district, who were shouting "take our lives, if you want. Islam Zindabad (long live Islam)".

"I came to know about this incident (of projecting terrorists as Muslims) through media. If such an incident has happened, we will conduct an inquiry and take necessary actions against those responsible," Narmada Superintendent of Police Jaypalsinh Rathore told news agency PTI.

"The drill was a routine police exercise which was conducted a week ago in Kevadia area," he added.

On Wednesday, a video of the Surat Police appeared in the local media showing five cops capturing and then pinning down three men in white skullcaps before bundling them into jeeps as part an exercise to check the preparedness and response of the police to terror attacks. (Read)

The video sparked widespread condemnation, including from members of the minority cell of the ruling BJP, forcing Chief Minister Anandiben Patel to call the drill a "mistake".

"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," the Chief Minister said.

"This should not have happened; it was an avoidable mistake," Surat's Deputy Superintendent of Police Pradeep Sejul said, adding action would be taken against those responsible.

Terming the drill as "atrocious and highly condemnable, Kamal Farooqui of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board told NDTV, "It is profiling the Muslim community which is very bad. They should apologise, otherwise they should be taken to the court."

The anti-terror drills were conducted ahead of two high-profile events in the state - Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (January 7 to 9) and Vibrant Gujarat Investors Summit (January 11 to 13) which will feature Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US Secretary of State John Kerry as speakers.
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