Post Mumbai Terror Attacks
Mumbai Terror Attacks: 26 November 2008
Terrorists: 10
Number of People Killed: > 200, including 18 foreigners, two NSG commandos and 14 other security personnel
Injured > 295
NSG Commandos in action > 260
Eight Locations Attacked:
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Oberoi Trident
Taj Mahal Palace & Tower
Leopold Cafe
Cama Hospital
Orthodox Jewish-owned Nariman House
Metro Cinema; and
Lane behind the Times of India building behind St. Xavier's College
Also, an explosion at the Mazagaon docks in Mumbai's port area, and a taxi blast at Vile Parle
I have a huge urge to write on this topic. Suddenly after the attacks, everyone had something to say. I also desire to banish the politicians, condemn Pakistan and raise questions on our security intelligence. But things have moved one step forward from here.
Incidentally, immediately after all the story emerging out of Mumbai attacks, we have been asked the good old question of choosing. So, let us come to the real problem of choice, choice between the only ones we have: Congress and BJP. For simplicity, let us ignore the other parties as they seem to have no noticeable stand or comments. Even if they have, they are hardly trying to make any dent with those. So, let us try to see what the difference is, no matter how minor, between these two parties.
Although BJP is not “different” as they claimed on any of the issues other than Pakistan and aggression on terrorism. On most of the other serious issues like corruption, development and policies, they may be given points similar to Congress. In fact, it would be difficult to refute claims of congress doing better on instances. Also, the current crisis situation has helped bring the best out of them. Unlike any other year in the past decade, no government has been given such opportunity to make as many decisions, to keep the Indian economy afloat amidst sinking global cues. While India Inc. struggled to save itself from all the hue and cry during the meltdown, government had to take corrective measures every now and then. Meanwhile with media active, like never before, analysis of each of the steps kept coming in no time. The experts were given a platform to discuss and bring up ideas about the problem and speak about the rights and wrongs of the government.
All of this is nice as this is something, ideally, the opposition parties should be doing. But fortunately or unfortunately, it has been done by media. This was welcomed, meanwhile BJP was busy campaigning for elections and criticizing congress inarticulately. During the hence busy schedule, they might have very well missed the national news. No proper analysis was expected from them with their capability and “loss of track” position, when it came to the financial turmoil.
However, now we have finally landed into a situation, when in my opinion, BJP and Congress would have differed in the lines of action. Terror attacks are one situation when I feel that instead of being defensive, BJP might have very seriously considered an offence. As we all know, no matter what we do and no matter how much we shout, Pakistan can hardly do anything considerable to solve this crisis. This problem exists because Pakistan is not a "single" head country anymore. I have doubts on what amount of power is vested with any single person in Pakistan. It has multiple power centers, and moreover, in this turmoil, Zardari will be among the backbenchers, when it comes to action and power. He never was a leader. Don’t forget the way he has come to power. In fact, I seriously doubt the way he has won his current position knowing the historical tactics used in Pakistan for gaining power (Am I proposing a conspiracy theory here? May be it already exists, and people discuss about it in Pakistan. They might have realized this behind curtain possibility only after having him elected, but as all conspiracy theories it is likely to be just nonsense). But still I may reiterate that Zaradari is not a leader. So no proper decision making is possible in this situation. And least possible of all is that Pakistan comes up with a proper solution, without evading the elimination of the terrorist elements on its soil.
Hence, I feel offence might be a good idea at this time as no country will be able to oppose it. We can ask all other countries to shut up when we may attack the terror camps (provided we know precisely where). But before this some answers need to be checked: are we prepared to bear the consequences? Is’nt Congress still wondering, with so less time left with them before elections, if indulging in war will be the best investment of their time? What it may mean to normal lives that we are leading? Will the effect go beyond borders for both countries? Will Pakistan not welcome destruction of its evil elements, given that they will also want to get rid of rogues, having failed to do this on its own?
Considering the above questions, let’s even sideline offence and concentrate on defense. I agree with the general opinion conveying “time for change”. But, I am muzzled by the scale of this task. We are a huge country, huge population and with slow and ineffective systems in place. However, these are still the side issues, the actual bottleneck remains to be the mindset of people. Everyone likes bypassing laws when it comes to convenience. Do we follow traffic rules, follow queues, and give a shout when some one checks us irresponsibly at train stations, metro stations, airports? Do we check documents of our tenants and servants and are we fully aware of our surroundings? Why do we tend to have short term memory when it comes to voting? How much do we know the person we have elected as our MP? Strangely enough, I believe we all have to change our attitude towards things and not just wait and curse politicians.
Terrorists: 10
Number of People Killed: > 200, including 18 foreigners, two NSG commandos and 14 other security personnel
Injured > 295
NSG Commandos in action > 260
Eight Locations Attacked:
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Oberoi Trident
Taj Mahal Palace & Tower
Leopold Cafe
Cama Hospital
Orthodox Jewish-owned Nariman House
Metro Cinema; and
Lane behind the Times of India building behind St. Xavier's College
Also, an explosion at the Mazagaon docks in Mumbai's port area, and a taxi blast at Vile Parle
I have a huge urge to write on this topic. Suddenly after the attacks, everyone had something to say. I also desire to banish the politicians, condemn Pakistan and raise questions on our security intelligence. But things have moved one step forward from here.
Incidentally, immediately after all the story emerging out of Mumbai attacks, we have been asked the good old question of choosing. So, let us come to the real problem of choice, choice between the only ones we have: Congress and BJP. For simplicity, let us ignore the other parties as they seem to have no noticeable stand or comments. Even if they have, they are hardly trying to make any dent with those. So, let us try to see what the difference is, no matter how minor, between these two parties.
Although BJP is not “different” as they claimed on any of the issues other than Pakistan and aggression on terrorism. On most of the other serious issues like corruption, development and policies, they may be given points similar to Congress. In fact, it would be difficult to refute claims of congress doing better on instances. Also, the current crisis situation has helped bring the best out of them. Unlike any other year in the past decade, no government has been given such opportunity to make as many decisions, to keep the Indian economy afloat amidst sinking global cues. While India Inc. struggled to save itself from all the hue and cry during the meltdown, government had to take corrective measures every now and then. Meanwhile with media active, like never before, analysis of each of the steps kept coming in no time. The experts were given a platform to discuss and bring up ideas about the problem and speak about the rights and wrongs of the government.
All of this is nice as this is something, ideally, the opposition parties should be doing. But fortunately or unfortunately, it has been done by media. This was welcomed, meanwhile BJP was busy campaigning for elections and criticizing congress inarticulately. During the hence busy schedule, they might have very well missed the national news. No proper analysis was expected from them with their capability and “loss of track” position, when it came to the financial turmoil.
However, now we have finally landed into a situation, when in my opinion, BJP and Congress would have differed in the lines of action. Terror attacks are one situation when I feel that instead of being defensive, BJP might have very seriously considered an offence. As we all know, no matter what we do and no matter how much we shout, Pakistan can hardly do anything considerable to solve this crisis. This problem exists because Pakistan is not a "single" head country anymore. I have doubts on what amount of power is vested with any single person in Pakistan. It has multiple power centers, and moreover, in this turmoil, Zardari will be among the backbenchers, when it comes to action and power. He never was a leader. Don’t forget the way he has come to power. In fact, I seriously doubt the way he has won his current position knowing the historical tactics used in Pakistan for gaining power (Am I proposing a conspiracy theory here? May be it already exists, and people discuss about it in Pakistan. They might have realized this behind curtain possibility only after having him elected, but as all conspiracy theories it is likely to be just nonsense). But still I may reiterate that Zaradari is not a leader. So no proper decision making is possible in this situation. And least possible of all is that Pakistan comes up with a proper solution, without evading the elimination of the terrorist elements on its soil.
Hence, I feel offence might be a good idea at this time as no country will be able to oppose it. We can ask all other countries to shut up when we may attack the terror camps (provided we know precisely where). But before this some answers need to be checked: are we prepared to bear the consequences? Is’nt Congress still wondering, with so less time left with them before elections, if indulging in war will be the best investment of their time? What it may mean to normal lives that we are leading? Will the effect go beyond borders for both countries? Will Pakistan not welcome destruction of its evil elements, given that they will also want to get rid of rogues, having failed to do this on its own?
Considering the above questions, let’s even sideline offence and concentrate on defense. I agree with the general opinion conveying “time for change”. But, I am muzzled by the scale of this task. We are a huge country, huge population and with slow and ineffective systems in place. However, these are still the side issues, the actual bottleneck remains to be the mindset of people. Everyone likes bypassing laws when it comes to convenience. Do we follow traffic rules, follow queues, and give a shout when some one checks us irresponsibly at train stations, metro stations, airports? Do we check documents of our tenants and servants and are we fully aware of our surroundings? Why do we tend to have short term memory when it comes to voting? How much do we know the person we have elected as our MP? Strangely enough, I believe we all have to change our attitude towards things and not just wait and curse politicians.
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