Response to Mumbai Attacks

It has been close to a week now since we had the terror attacks in Mumbai. Now that the emotional rhetoric is settling down, we need to take steps to handle the internal angle and the external angle of the terror attacks. External angle is more difficult to handle as we still don't know what the exact reply to Pakistan should be. I think, war as an option should not be ruled out. Once the diplomacy efforts are done with, we should look into "hot pursuit" option. Though this is not going to be easy as what will we attack in Pakistan?

Besides, the war is not a comprehenive solution. The common example given in favor of war is to look at USA and Israel and the fact that since 9/11 there has not been any terrorism act against USA.
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But that is factually not correct. There might not have been a terrorist act in America, but they have been in war since 2001 in Iraq and Afghanistan. And close to 4000 soldiers have died. In a way, the common man in streets of American has not died, but the soldiers are getting killed all the time. So in a way inspite of the war, Americans are still getting killed by terrorists. Besides, just imagine the impact it has had on US economy. No wonder, people are fed up of this war. Also, American is way out of reach of the Jehadists. Its geographic outreach has helped America, otherwise in the last few years, they have made the world more dangerous and polarized and has had no effect whatsoever.

Similarly we don't want to be Israel as its not as if the israelis are never killed. They keep getting killed in the constant war like situation they are in.

I think, we need to do the following.things as a long term solution.

1. Strong Anti terror Laws - Have strong anti terror laws and speedy trials, so the terrorists like Masoon Azhar can be tried quickly and hanged to death.

2. Strengthen our internal security which is abysmal right now. We are so vulnerable and have so many porous boundaries that the terrorists keep infiltrating.

3. Conversation among Religions - Develop an atmosphere where the religions are talking to each other. Recently Advani ji did a very good thing when he talked to the Christians regarding the killings in Orissa. The same should happen with the Muslims. Important thing is who do we talk to in Muslims. Recently the "Dar-ul-uloom" has said couple of very good things and they even asked the Muslims to not slaughter cows on eid. I think, we need to promote more of the moderate Islam. India has long had a tradition of what is called as the "Sufi Islam" and we have all grown up listening to some very good sufi music. We need to promote them and make sure a strong muslim middle class is created.

4. Inclusive Growth - Today our society is polarized. We have a huge divide between the"haves" and "have nots". We need to have policies which are more inclusive in nature and have a far greater reach. The Muslims have for various reasons not been able to be part of the economic success. I think, we need to make sure that not only Muslims but many other classes are also part of the economic success. World over the economics is moving from blatant captialism to a more "humanised capitalism", where many more people are brought under the "haves".

5.Communal Harmony - Make sure incidents like Gujrat are not repeated. I like Modi and what he has done for the well being of his state, but unless he takes all religions with him, he will never be able to be a pan indian leader. Even if Gujrat happens, we should make sure speedy trials and quick and fair justice. This will reduce the chance of muslims becoming more millitant.

6. Delink terror with religion - Just as if some disgruntled hindus exploded few bombs, the entire hindu community does not become a terrorist, same logic should apply to Muslims. Politicians should learn a very strong lesson. Two days before Karkare was killed, a famous politician in Indore questioned Karkare. Only 2 days later when karkare was killed, the same gentle man had the audacity to go to Karkare's place and offer 1 Crore Rs to his family?? Does he think the people are IDIOTS? I am very happy that the slain family did not take a penny from such a politician. Bottomline is terrorism has no religion and neither are all terrorists muslim.

I feel, India is the only country which can showcase such a unique model where we have all religions living peacefully and helping each other in nation building. That is how the "Sanatan Dharma" has always been and that is only how the sanatan dharma will continue to be Sanatan dharma.

I speak this as a true, proud and practicing Hindu.