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The Rediff Interview/ Mohan Bhagwat

'Does the government have a Kashmir policy?'

The three-day meet of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in Agra might have initially projected the impression that the RSS was tailoring its goals in accordance with the times and instilling dollops of secularism in its rigid Hindutva outlook.

Sangh leaders, in fact, emphasised that their's was not a communal outfit but one that welcomed all those who had the nation's welfare uppermost in their hearts. For good measure, a Muslim, Haji Altaf, had been made in-charge of Patrakar Nagar where reporters covering the event were accommodated.

However, when the RSS mahashivir opened on October 13, the speakers dispelled any illusion that the organisation might have deviated from its well-trodden path or that its perception had been diluted in any way.

The first speaker, Sangh joint secretary Mohan Bhagwat, left little doubt that the RSS' overall Hindutva agenda was alive and kicking.

In an interview to Tara Shankar Sahay, Bhagwat expounded on the Sangh's philosophy and how Swayamsevaks would fend off threats to national security.

Has the Sangh genuinely opened its doors to the minority community? Or, was the presence of a Muslim member in Patrakar Nagar just a symbolic gesture?

We have always said that we are not against any community. Our concern is for safeguarding and maintaining national security for which we feel certain measures have to be taken in light of the various challenges facing our country. I have highlighted that India is not only facing threats externally but also internally. That is why I have emphasised that that our Swayamsevaks should step forward to help preserve national security. All those who help us in this task are welcome.

Are you referring to Pakistan?

Yes. The entire world knows how Pakistan is helping terrorists with arms and ammunition. These terrorists are mowing down defenceless people in cold blood. Which country can tolerate it? India is not a soft state and the RSS will strive to remove the misconception that it is.

Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence is spreading its network in India to carry out subversive and destructive activities. Thus, the security threat is not just from outside but also from within the country.

We cannot tolerate our enemy making its agents in India do its bidding. We will ensure that this does not happen.

Isn't that a tricky job?

There may be hurdles in the way but we are determined to remove every single impediment. Nothing can be more important than the motherland and the Sangh is known for its deshbhakti (patriotism).

There is apprehension that the Sangh's zeal on national security could end up victimising members of the minority community?

Such apprehension is misplaced. Genuine patriots have nothing to fear. Only those who give evidence of hostile intentions against India will have to be tackled.

Does this imply that the Sangh may even take the laws into its hands?

No. The Sangh will only help the country in maintaining national security.

Liberalisation has made India an economic power to reckon with. Then why are you lashing out at MNCs?

You have to assess at what cost the multinationals are coming in. If they are doing business at the expense of the indigenous industry, we will oppose them. Why should we allow MNCs to take our money out of the country?

RSS leaders say the Ram Mandir will be built in Ayodhya, come what may.

It is our aim to see the Ram temple come up in Ayodhya.

What do you think of the government's Kashmir policy?

Does it have one? It has to take firm, unambiguous measures and break the back of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir if national security is to be preserved. The Centre has been vacillating in J&K, both in the past and present.

If the enemy knows that you are weak, he will bully you into submission. That is where our Swayamsevaks will come in handy. They will instil confidence in the people to fight back.

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