Between the lines...

Terrorists striked again and killed many innocent people in Mumbai. This time it was frontal attack where armed terrorists let loosen their guns on innocent people at Mumbai's popular and famous places. It is difficult to comprehend what kind of people can carry out such massacre of innocent people.

Investigations so far suggest that terrorists came from Pakistan and were aided by ISI and Lashkar-e-taiba. While Pakistan has history of involvement in terror activities in India and elsewhere this was perhaps the first time that global Jehadi terrorism came to India in its most brutal form.

While victims of terrorism are from all sections of the society, but in almost all the cases perpetrators of terror belong to one community namely Islam. It is fact of the day that most of the terrorist organizations operating in world are Islamic and Jehadi terrorists. This is also a fact that Pakistan is the breeding ground of terrorists. True, terrorists have no religion but these people resort to violence and killing on name of Islam. Islam as a religion may preach peace and love but this is a fact that a large number of its followers and preacher are busy in spreading hatred and killing of innocent people on name of Jehad. It is time for vast majority of peace loving Muslims and their leaders to do deep introspection why their youths are attracted to violence and destruction and to take preventive measures.

I think most important contribution in this battle against jehadi terrorism should come from Muslim religious and community leaders. They should come forward and take measures to ensure that youths from their community are not following on path of hatred, violence and destruction. Muslim scholars and community leaders should sit together and decide on actions, to contain the spread of extremism and fundamentalism in their community and to promote brotherhood, love and peaceful coexistence. The problem with Muslims in India is that they consider themselves Muslim first and then Indians whereas nation should come first to every citizen and religion should be secondary.

Since we are not addressing Islamic terrorism on it face and engaging in appeasement which is counterproductive in long run, we are seeing the emergence of Hindu or anti-Muslim terror groups which is quite dangerous. Terrorism of all kind should be dealt with strongly irrespective of origin or ideology behind it.

Our ruling class should display strong will power, enact strong laws and equip the law enforcing agencies with latest weaponry and technology to combat the menace of terrorism. In aftermath of Mumbai attack there is a ground swell of public anger and opinion towards our politicians which is welcome development and it may force decision makers to take strict measures to prevent terror activities in future.

Here I am suggesting some of the measures which can go a long way in improving the law and order and security situation in country.

• War should be last option but if this is the only viable option to restore peace it should be launched.
• Give a strong message to Pakistan that take action and show us results within specific time frame or we will take the appropriate action including action within territories of Pakistan.
• Strong law on lines of TADA should be enacted. There should be a review commission to review specific TADA cases on random basis as well as based on appeal to prevent misuse of the law.
• Modernization of law enforcing agencies; better training and better equipment.
• Make corruption a severe crime; corruption in certain fields should be treated on par with murder.
• Issue national identity cards to all citizens.
• Electoral reforms: a) to disbar entry of corrupt and criminal people in politics b) option of negative/rejection vote for any candidate.
• Minority commissions should be abolished, we have human rights commissions.
• Establish self contained security committees in each mohalla, ward and Village comprising of local youths and retired army personnel. to promote peace and self-defence.
• All politician and bureaucrats in responsible positions to visit casualty wards of hospitals and to victims of riots and terror strikes to keep their senses awake.

We need to learn to take security seriously. Security is not an issue to be trifled with. Security is not an issue of law and order only, it is an issue of survival as well.

Labels: Attack, India, Mumabi, Pakistan, Security, Terror