National Anti-Terrorism Day - 21 May

Tags: Important Days

Annually commemorated on May 21, National Anti-Terrorism Day in India serves to heighten awareness regarding the perils posed by terrorism.

An Overview of the News

• Devoted to emphasizing the significance of solidarity in confronting this widespread threat.

• Aimed at fostering a greater understanding of the detrimental effects of terrorism on society and promoting collective action against it.

Background to Anti-Terrorism Day:

• Instituted in India on May 21 to commemorate the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi by an LTTE suicide bomber in 1991.

• This day was established after the 1991 elections by P.V. Narasimha Rao led Congress government.

• Its purpose was to pay tribute to Rajiv Gandhi and educate the public about the consequences of terrorist activities.

• National Anti-Terrorism Day was celebrated for the first time on 21 May 1992.

About Rajiv Gandhi:

• Sixth Prime Minister of India (1984-1989), taking office at the age of 40 following the assassination of his mother, Indira Gandhi.

• Achieved a historic victory in the 1984 elections, with the Congress party securing over 400 seats in the Lok Sabha.

• Pioneered the introduction of computers in Indian schools, laying the groundwork for the country's IT prowess.

India-Sri Lanka Peace Accord:

• Signed in 1987 between Rajiv Gandhi and Sri Lankan President Jaywardene to address the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka.

• Aimed to end the civil war between Sri Lanka's Tamil minority and Sinhala majority, with the LTTE seeking an independent Tamil state.

• The agreement required the LTTE to disarm in exchange for substantial autonomy for Tamil regions, overseen by Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF).

• LTTE's refusal to disarm led to clashes with the IPKF, culminating in Rajiv Gandhi's assassination in 1991.