Mumbai Explodes: My Musings
It does not really make a difference whether I write this blog or not, as these feelings have been reverberated through the minds of every Indian after “India’s 9/11” as the media calls it. However it would also be unfair to not write about an event which has given us pent up emotions of anger and despair mixed intermittently with some shades of joy (joy of people coming out alive!!)
In the aftermath of Mumbai attack public outcry has been heard wildly against the political class and the media too has gone on an aggressive fanning people’s anger, giving wide coverage to each and every emotional outburst. While some right chords are being struck and government is looking into the security aspect in a very serious manner I somehow find the bickering and blames between the two neighbors being given too much importance.
We should analyze the situation keeping in mind that an election is due in India in the forthcoming months and there is no denying the fact that Pakistan government does not have the strong-hand to root out the terrorist and nip them at the bud. Also our neighbor’s public support grows when an anti-India slogan is chanted. The political class in such situation cannot avoid making such futile statements.
Let us also not forget that a war between two nuclear armed states can never be a solution. Also as mentioned by a retired army man : “We should adopt surgical strikes at terrorist locations”; which will anyway mean crossing the border and without Pakistan’s permission leads to a war. Let me reiterate that I do not doubt our military capability however in these difficult and trying times the media and politicians should stop playing to the mass gallery. A rational thinking is what is required right now.
What the Indian public wants is SAFETY in their own country and no communal hatred and if you are fully convinced that a war / surgical strikes can give that ; then please go ahead with it. But for once look at the financial and economic situation of India vis-à-vis our neighbor: we cannot avoid the contrast that exists between the two countries. India has grown predominantly during the last decade whereas Pakistan desperately seeks UN and World Bank aid even for sustenance. The importance being given to India’s tough stand is because of the strong position we have carved for us at the international level. We have seen all the top heads of states like Condolezza Rice, Gordon Brown etc. visit India and have received support from various countries. All have unequivocally condemned these strikes and asked Pakistan to co-operate in rooting out this terror menace.
Our neighbors on the contrary are given some importance because of their strategic location. The US has to walk a thin line and therefore we should appreciate the tough stand and harsh words spoken by US government. In Pakistan the military has a strong hand and their relations with terrorist groups are well known, so we should at least give our neighboring democratic but weak government to prove their credibility. The coercive diplomacy tactics should go on albeit in small measure.
The media which I believe is mature enough on both sides of the border should give less coverage to such war mongering people and instead concentrate and deliberate more on the security aspect. After all its our country and we have the right to live ATLEAST!!
In the aftermath of Mumbai attack public outcry has been heard wildly against the political class and the media too has gone on an aggressive fanning people’s anger, giving wide coverage to each and every emotional outburst. While some right chords are being struck and government is looking into the security aspect in a very serious manner I somehow find the bickering and blames between the two neighbors being given too much importance.
We should analyze the situation keeping in mind that an election is due in India in the forthcoming months and there is no denying the fact that Pakistan government does not have the strong-hand to root out the terrorist and nip them at the bud. Also our neighbor’s public support grows when an anti-India slogan is chanted. The political class in such situation cannot avoid making such futile statements.
Let us also not forget that a war between two nuclear armed states can never be a solution. Also as mentioned by a retired army man : “We should adopt surgical strikes at terrorist locations”; which will anyway mean crossing the border and without Pakistan’s permission leads to a war. Let me reiterate that I do not doubt our military capability however in these difficult and trying times the media and politicians should stop playing to the mass gallery. A rational thinking is what is required right now.
What the Indian public wants is SAFETY in their own country and no communal hatred and if you are fully convinced that a war / surgical strikes can give that ; then please go ahead with it. But for once look at the financial and economic situation of India vis-à-vis our neighbor: we cannot avoid the contrast that exists between the two countries. India has grown predominantly during the last decade whereas Pakistan desperately seeks UN and World Bank aid even for sustenance. The importance being given to India’s tough stand is because of the strong position we have carved for us at the international level. We have seen all the top heads of states like Condolezza Rice, Gordon Brown etc. visit India and have received support from various countries. All have unequivocally condemned these strikes and asked Pakistan to co-operate in rooting out this terror menace.
Our neighbors on the contrary are given some importance because of their strategic location. The US has to walk a thin line and therefore we should appreciate the tough stand and harsh words spoken by US government. In Pakistan the military has a strong hand and their relations with terrorist groups are well known, so we should at least give our neighboring democratic but weak government to prove their credibility. The coercive diplomacy tactics should go on albeit in small measure.
The media which I believe is mature enough on both sides of the border should give less coverage to such war mongering people and instead concentrate and deliberate more on the security aspect. After all its our country and we have the right to live ATLEAST!!
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