Symbolic cartoon from Times of India:
My views...Heartiest tribute to the martyrs, the Police, NSG or Army and victims of the Mumbai attacks.
On 26th November this year, the worst terrorist attack on the Indian soil took place. It was a massacre of Indians and the tourists. The terrorist attacks in India nowadays are becoming a normal phenomenon. There have been more terrorist attacks this time than festivals occurring in India in a year! This exposes the our impotent struggle against terrorism.
After every attack, there are same sequence of events occurring, Government condemns the attack followed by the world and reiterates that India will fight against terrorism, well with a change in voice for every event, media covers the whole event with so called "Breaking News" tag almost every second, ministers visit the site and the victims, express condolence, there are investigations and then dust settles. In all this, its the average Indian who suffers.
After the attacks, there's mounting enormous pressure on the government to act and public outrage. It's to be seen what path the government takes. Seeing the way things are going, looks like the govt. is more inclined to use US pressure which I don't think will make the Pakistanis budge. For simple matter of fact, the so called democratic Government of Pakistan is more like a "Public Relations" section rather than the one which controls the country. The real reins maybe in the Pak Army's hands. India, during Musharraf's regime had to deal with the General who was a single center of power, but now problem is dealing with two entities independent of each other viz., Army and Govt. Zardari's statement is a pointer.
Indian Response:
There has been some public sentiment for controlled military action, but it looks highly unlikely given that any such action will ever take place since there are chances of it to get out of control to full-scale war which will undermine US efforts in west Pakistan which has implications on India as well, given the al Qaeda's influence on terrorists in Pakistan. And any war at this juncture will undo what we've achieved in last 20 years. India may postpone peace talks and CBM's, but I ain't sure if there will be any results. As said earlier, looks like India is trying to build international pressure, especially US pressure on Pakistan. A covert ops might be better option...
Hi PointSingularity86
ReplyDeleteI agree responses all seem to have drawbacks. Covert RAW ops in Pakistan may work but, by their very nature, won't be admitted by the Indian government, hence won't give Indians anything to cheer about.
I agree convential warfare may escalate too much.
Even my pet solution of India conducting H-Bomb tests will undo the progress India has achieved over the last 3 years of being internationally accepted as a nuclear power.
The politicians need to show leadership and not be too conciliatory. Relying on the lame duck Bush Administration (with Condi the lightweight) will be even less successful than usual.
Regards
Pete
Covert ops will atleast make Pakistani elements think before they do anything. Currently, Pakistan has been let loose, especially since I.K. Gujral's decision in mid 90's and terrorism is increasing. Nowadays, Indian intel agencies are going public about the intercepted calls!! The FIA, if established at all, must be resistant from state meddling.
ReplyDeleteAbout H-bomb test, I'm sure no one is thinking about that, with Nuke deal just passed. Maybe we should first pocket all the advanced nuclear technologies required and then think about it ;)
That would be more wise!
Hi PointSingularity86
ReplyDeleteIts me Pete. I've changed my blog to:
- "Australia by the Indian Ocean" - (kept all my old posts)
- Its string is http://gentleseas.blogspot.com/
A change is as good as a holiday.
Meanwhile Pakistan hasn't yet released its Mumbai terror suspects. I'd say it will wait until next week.
Pete
Thanx Pete, I'll keep that in mind!
ReplyDelete