The National Movement to Resist Terrorism yesterday called for launching a social movement against terrorism and made on appeal to all to announce 2002 a ‘terrorism-free year'.

The newly floated organisation expressed deep concern over the alarming rise in terrorist activities and called upon all, including the civil society, to raise awareness among the people to stamp out terrorism.

At a press conference, Sheikh Nijam Uddin, convenor of the organisation, also urged the government to continue Its anti-terrorism campaign.

He said terrorism and corruption are the main obstacles to improving the economy of the country.

The society is held hostage by only a number of terrorists. Nijam said, adding that “It is not possible for the government alone to up-

root the terrorism. The civil society and conscious citizens must come forward unitedly to back up the government's efforts."

Terming ruling party lawmaker Nasruddin Ahmed Plntu a 'top terror', the organisation lauded the role of Advocate Jahangir who ■faced' Plntu with courage.

It pledged to continue the antiterrorism movement until the terrorism is uprooted and assist the government in its every step.

The organisation will bring out a 'peace procession' from the Press Club on January' 6 and urged the professional organisations, human rights organisations and business organisations to join it.

Among others, journalist Gias Kamal Chowdhury, MD Abdus Salam. Advocate Kamrul Hasan and Fazlul Alam were present at the press conference held at the national Press Club.