MUMBAI ATTACKS: AN OVERVIEW

It was a lazy afternoon and I was having a discussion with my friend on recent bomb explosions in various cities of India and the communal polarization of India. The way the Hindu and Muslim radicals were proceeding I commented,” India is on its path to civil war may be 10 years from now.” He smiled and said may be early, because just think if we these terrorists start doing Fidayeen attacks inside our country. Both of us then ended the conversation with a long sigh! And just 1 week after that India witnessed it first Fidayeen attacked outside Kashmir.

Lot of things has changed after Mumbai attack. I was planning to write on this as soon as possible, but I don’t believe in knee jerk reaction and took my time to study and come to some conclusions.

WHAT’S DIFFERENT: there have been more deaths in earlier Mumbai bomb explosions of 2006. Terrorism has become order of the day and there is a public acceptance of it also (which is worst). Then how this attack has been able to shake India?

1. For the first time, the rich capitalist class of India was affected. The symbols of richness in India were attacked first time. Uptill now only the poor or middle class common men was hurt in the terrorist attacks but this time they went deep inside the otherwise protective and aloof zone of the rich class. This was the wake up call for India Inc , who otherwise felt isolated from the “stupid” things happening in India.

2. First time there was such a well planned and executed attack, the kind of logistics and preparedness that has gone into this attack it surpassed even 9/11. The commando training involved pointed that some great agencies and resources had been involved in planning.

3. The media coverage obviously. Terrorists spraying bullets, commandoes landing by a helo in a building, army columns marching in the city- along with some great audio-visual effects were telecasted day and night and left a deep impression in the mind of every Indian. The feeling of fear was deeply ingressed.

4. The leftover security myth of Indian middle class was also shattered. You can die anytime, any moment, anywhere state does not claim any responsibility for your protection.

5. First time the international Islamic terrorists had attacked the heart of India and moreover even foreigners, which brought widespread international attention to the incident.

AIM:
1. To destroy the image of India as a safe and developing country in international stage, especially by targeting foreigners.

2. To develop the feeling of fear and hatred in Indian Hindus and thus create more religious polarization, which will further add fuel to the fire.

3. To bleed India , so that it keep focusing its resources on these issues and development takes a back seat.

ACTORS BEHIND THE STAGE:

1. The type of training terrorists had, can be comparable to one of the best military trainings in the world. Thus some foreign military agency- most probably ISI is involved.
http://www.countercurrents.org/hammond041208.htm

2. The funding could be from the ISI directly or from radicals in Saudi Arabia.

3. The international Islamic terrorist organizations also provided some support.

4. There was definitely some local logistics support- either from underworld or from local jihadi organizations.

5. Some people even held radical Hindu organizations responsible, but I don’t think they can switch to such a audacious tactic to Kill ATS chief, who was behind Saadhvi Pragya. In my view, this view is ridiculous.
http://www.countercurrents.org/misra031208.htm
http://www.countercurrents.org/sikand291108.htm

WHO GAINS?

1. Definitely the image of India is tarnished and whatever feeling of security was left is also gone. People are disillusioned with politicians, irrespective of parties, and at least for this moment are looking for alternative (though I feel it will die out after some time)

2. As I read the news; the biggest beneficiary will be ISI and the Army of Pakistan. With their tarnished image after lal Masjid episode and fighting against jehadis groups in NWFP, this is a welcome change. They have improved their image in the eyes of radical Muslims. They have bleeded India, and like always, have been able to divert attention of public from home issues to international issues. They have remerged as the champion of the Pakistan cause, as the only saviors who could protect Pakistan against Indian invasion.

3. I expected the Hindu radical parties also to gain from it. But as if now the public support to them in this case is very cold. There is total disillusionment from all political parties.the muslim radical groups will definitely gain, may be both in India and Pakistan. It will also help International Islamic organizations as Muslims all over the world will be again treated partially with suspicion.

http://www.countercurrents.org/sikand031208.htm
http://www.countercurrents.org/mathew291108.htm

4. In international stage this will help US- who can fool its public even more now, and continue with its selfish wars against humanity in the name of “war on terror”. This attack will help US in attaining a good change in its international diplomacy. It is well clear by nuclear deal and joint military exercises that US wants India to be its junior partner. This attack showcases US-India-Israel as fellow sufferers. Thus their unity will increase and in that bargain India will have to support US selfish wars by men and money. I won’t be surprised if Indian forces are pulled into Afghan war. With escalating deaths and no end in sight US will try its best to rope in Indian Army in this never ending war.


WHO LOSSES?



1. The biggest looser is Indian public. Hurt, scared and disillusioned it doesn’t know whom to blame and what to expect from its government.

2. The biggest danger is for Indian Muslims. They all may be labeled as terrorists, looked down with suspicion and alienated in their own country. The end result will be a new generation filled with hatred and vengeance which will have the capability to destroy the country. The Muslim leaders of India should immediately ensure that Muslims remain aligned with India and at the same time state should ensure that while individual .

3. the peace process between India and Pakistan will end and this will be definitely a setback for both the countries, while the entire world is uniting here are two countries wasting there energy and resources on each other……… the peaceful coexistence of both the countries will be a boon for both of them.

4. the Indian development – once again terrorism will become the biggest issue in publics mind, and our government will once again ignore other draconian problems facing us- like poverty, unemployment , health care. While we all feel terrorism is the biggest enemy of India, actually it is the poverty, malnutrition and common diseases.


http://www.cghr.org/SRS%20Study%20Brochure.pdf
http://www.ptinews.com/pti%5Cptisite.nsf/0/4BA1A8D4B34F06E36525750C0020E41B?OpenDocument
http://www.whiteribbonalliance-india.org/factsandfigures.htm
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2461713.cms



POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS


A. ALREADY PROJECTED:

1. ATTACK PAKISTAN: this was obviously the first knee jerk reaction, of the Indian public and media, Pakistan is responsible for it, so attack it. But we know the civil government is not responsible for it as they don’t hold the actual power only. Even the common men in Pakistan are not anti-India. The authority responsible is ISI and indirectly Army, and they are the people who are going to gain if India attacks Pakistan. There will be human loss, economic loss and both countries will suffer badly. The war may even go nuclear, and the final result will be nothing. The Islamic terrorists in Pakistan will get sympathy and they will develop their network even more. So this should be kept out of question.

2. ATTACK SELECTED TARGETS: this is the next option to target terrorist camps and their headquarters in Lahore, and kill them all. Though emotionally I will also favour such an attack, but practically speaking even this will not yield much solution as only few people will die , and may be even more terrorist are born. After all, Israel is doing this only but has killed more civilians than militants and still the problem remains same. Further it will end all cooperation between India and Pakistan and may even lead to war.

3. TRY DIPLOMACY: I wonder even if this will work. Even if we take the matter to Security Council and Pakistan says it will do something, I don’t think their civil government has enough power to assert over ISI. If this would have worked LeT would not have been still operating from Pakistan.

Then do what, we can’t attack, diplomacy doesn’t work, and then what is the solution??

STRONG INTELLIGENCE: before doing anything outside we need to improve situations inside. Our intelligence has become one of the weakest in the world. There is no efficiency as there is no motivation. When soldiers think that from Mantri to Santri is behind money. Why should I endanger my life? This is has to change and this requires a fundamental change in our society and thinking. Even is US , people give a lot of respect to security forces and intelligence , while in India we care only for money. A strong intelligence is must for a safe nation, and this has been projected from the times of Chanakya (in Arthashastra) to Sun Zu (the author of Art of War). Without proper intelligence a nation can not work. Its efficiency is to increased at any cost.

STRONG SECURITY FORCES: India has one of the least police densities in the world. And whatever is there is for the service of VIP and rich Indians. the leftover is corrupt , inefficient and unmotivated. Its high time we implement police reforms.
http://www.boloji.com/opinion/0568.htm

Though a fundamental change in mindset needs a complete overhaul of system, but atlest take initial steps. De-link politics and security forces and stop doing petty politics demoralizing our security forces. Give them better pay and perks and most of all respect for the dangerous work they do. Stop codemnning them, and stop speaking in favour of terrorists, be it Hindu or Muslim. The army and Navy are suffering from officers shortage. This is the result of capitalist system we copied where certain jobs are considered much better than other jobs. Thus to be a software engg is cool even though you hate computing. People are not patriotic enough to consider the job of defence officer. While we praise them but if asked are you ready to be one- we leave the debate. This needs a complete change in our economic system, where every job is consider to be at par. Remove the bureaucratic delays in improvement of security forces and give them better pay, perks and living environment. The number of suicides shows that there is something rotten even inside armed forces. This thing should be immediately addressed and correct steps should be taken instead of just lip service.

http://www.hindu.com/2008/12/11/stories/2008121155540800.htm
This will not solve the problem but it will bring it down to minimal levels.


COVERT OPERATION: even if Pakistan doesn’t involve revive the covert operation arm of RAW. Though it backfired in the case of LTTE , I feel now it is greatly required. We should not go for civil targets but aim for individuals. How can Dawood Ibrahim roam freely in Pakistan and Dubai, when he has harmed a nation of billion people? How can Masood Azhar and Hafiz Muhammad Saeed appear on media and give free speeches after killing so many innocent Indians. We should prove we are not eunuchs; any one can come and rape our motherland. Its high time covert operations targeting these individuals should be made. This will give a lesson to all the individuals dreaming of attacking India.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Wrath_of_God
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_prince

Even if Pakistan military doesn’t learn lesson, we should aim for their senior officers and anti-India leaders. The country is already in turmoil, it will give some good results for sure. I hope all these Hindu-radicals who keep beating their chests and killing innocent people will participate in these operations. At least some Bajrang Dal and Shiv Sainiks will show their real valor in such operations, rather then just doing ‘Tamasha’ in public!

But for this Indian government needs guts of steel and RAW should be completely revamped into an efficient and active organization then what it is today.

http://www.rediff.com/news/2004/jul/19swadas.htm
http://www.janes.com/security/international_security/news/jid/jid040701_1_n.shtml
http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/12668
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/%91Sexually-harassed-but-no-one-listening%92:-suicide-bid-at-PMO-by-RAW-director/350996/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Research_and_Analysis_Wing



LONG TERM SOLUTIONS: As Arundhati Roy says all the above solutions are treatment of symptoms and not the disease.
http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=436ZYOImdUc

To treat the disease one needs to understand it and then to cure it needs patience and commitment. First what we should understand is that Islamic terrorism took birth, due to the exploitation of the poor in the name of religion and spread due to the policies of USA itself. It started with US phobia of communism and to counter it, it spread the religious fundamentalism. It started with Iran, and now the same place US considers a member of the Axis of evil, forgetting the evil was created by them only.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Ajax

The ordinary Persian today also is as secular as yesterday, but thanks to US is ruled by Islamic radicals. [See this year NAT GEO edition on Persia]


Now come to the hot bed of Islamic terrorism- Afghanistan and here also Uncle Sam reared a child yesterday who has become a monster today. And instead of taming the monster, Uncle Sam is throwing acid on him, making it more dangerous then eve before!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Cyclone
http://beautifulliferocks.blogspot.com/2008/09/who-rules-world.html

the underlying solution is the development and peace rather than war. They way US is carrying out carpet bombing in Afghanistan and now in Pakistan, has not only made Taliban revamp rather, has made entire Afghanistan a failed state. If US don’t change its aggressive policy, even Pakistan may fail and this will be a problem not just for India but entire world!
http://www.hindu.com/2008/12/11/stories/2008121155660900.htm

The only hope is that US hunts down selected terrorists, raise the Afghan army, supply it with required logistics, equip it and then leave Afghanistan. Entire world should make efforts to restore democracy there and biggest of all raise the hope of development and life in those people who have forgotten what is civilization.

Coming over to Pakistan, since its birth, its leaders have found anti-India rhetoric best way to distract their own people from development issues. While the country is still reeling under poverty and feudalism, its upper middle class corrupt politicians found anti-India sentiments as the best way to rule. This changed with the military dictators who joined the US to fill their pockets and strengthen military while common men remains in oblivion. Zia-ul-Haq the poster boy of US brought radical Islam back to Pakistan and the seeds sown by him are bearing the fruits today.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zia_ul_Haq


The civilian government there is more interested in making money and somehow sticking to power. (not a surprise with Mr 10% as a president)

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C00E2D61E30F93AA35752C0A96E958260
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/World/Pakistan/Asif_Ali_Zardari_Mr_Ten_Percent_on_brink_of_Pakistan_presidency/articleshow/3435532.cms


On the other hand is the military power whose only job is to fill their pockets with US dollars and spit venom against India. What is left in the bargain is a country on the verge of economic and social disaster. With no money, no bread, no hope religious fundamentalism is the only buzzword which has brought Pakistan on the verge of becoming a rogue state.

The solution is obviously nothing but a social revolution which can bring hope to its people. That it’s not the religious jihad but a fight against poverty and exploitation which will bring them social justice and life! Till that time, we will have to keep facing a neighbour filled with millions of potential terrorists.

Coming to our own country, I want to mention a fact which at least some Indians have raised. I definitely agree that Mumbai attacks were a blow against democracy, but what about the ongoing civil war in central India. North –eastern India? What about the suicide of 1 Lakh farmers? They are not the news because they are part of Bharat and not India? They are the step child of India and since they don’t party in Taj and Trident we are not bothered about them at all? Millions of poor Indians are getting displaced every year, thousand protest but no one listens. Millions die of malnutrition but we are not bothered. In short, we are not aware, not bothered, not interested that just next to us, a country is dying in hunger and pain. A breeding ground for terrorism, extremism and all social evils. And more than them, we are responsible for this pathetic state of the country.

Next comes the problem of communalism. It’s the right time to crack down on all religious fundamental organizations be it RSS or SIMI. Stop this communal hatred now, before this fire destroys our country! We cannot win this war without the support of our 150 million brothers. At the same time, it is their responsibility to stop all those choosing the path of terror and work together to create a new India.


Though the Mumbai attacks was a gruesome act , it brought one good thing out – unity among the Indians. Though I was expecting a backlash against Muslims at least by verbal rhetoric by Hindu radicals- it did not happen. People from all walk of life came together to denounce it. Be it Hindu or Muslim, rich or poor everyone expressed his anger. For the first time, I remember people rejected the opportunist tactics of all political partied to milk this incident too

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Major_Unnikrishnans_father_refuses_to_meet_Kerala_CM/articleshow/3777042.cms
http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/slain-ats-chiefs-family-spurns-modis-monetary-help/16/26/50348/on
http://www.hinduonnet.com/2008/11/09/stories/2008110959730800.htm

The people of India expressed their anger by rejecting all inefficient political parties out rightly. This incident changed the view of many moderates towards Islamic terrorism, including me! Even the CPI (Maoist) denounced the incident and given a salute to martyrs of Mumbai attacks.
http://www.newkerala.com/topstory-fullnews-54618.html

This shows a shift in the ideology of most of the Indians, to denounce terrorism but not an entire community. The demonstration by Mulsims against this incident will also go a long way to eradicate terrorism from this community and bring religious harmony.

http://www.google.co.in/search?q=muslim+demonstration+%2B+mumbai+attacks&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a
http://www.pickledpolitics.com/archives/2556
http://www.tuftsdaily.com/a_united_response_to_the_mumbai_attacks
http://www.pragoti.org/node/2667






I will conclude with a request to remove the basic causes behind terrorism rather than eyewash as always! The India is suffering since long, this time the terror came to every middle class household through media. What we need to realize is the other India – Bharat is facing atrocities, exploitation, and hunger everyday. Till the time these inequalities are not removed from society, India will continue to burn. Its time the middle class leave its insensitivity, become more conscious of actual “Bharat” and work towards its all round development. Otherwise this will not be the last time that violence has come from lower strata of the society to the upper class!

JAI HIND!!