Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Prakash Karat has demanded that the Centre explain to the country the reasons for launching the Israeli spy satellite Tecsar. Referring to reports in the Israeli media that the satellite would be utilised to spy on Muslim countries, the CPI(M) leader said Iran, Palestine, Iraq, Libya and Afghanistan would come under its scanner. “The government must submit a detailed report on the satellite and its activities,” he told media persons.
The Indian Space Research Organisation recently launched the satellite from its Sriharikota facility. Criticising Israel’s plan to launch two more spy satellites from Indian soil, Mr. Karat demanded that the Centre not allow such launches. He said Israel wanted to target and attack countries with which India has friendly relations. “Why should we provide a platform for this and help Israel at the cost of friendly ties with other countries? Any security tie-up with Israel is against independent foreign policy,” he said.