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print versionKashmir Times, December 7, 2008
India Wakes Up?
One consequence of the Mumbai attacks has been that citizens have begun to be more conscious of their lack of security and of the complacent politicians who they blame for the present crisis and many have begun speaking out, organising peace rallies or taking part in discussions. The buzzwords are: ’Wake up India’ or taking cue from a television channel ’Enough is enough’. It’s all for the sake of peace, the rage against terror attacks and violence. Most demands however defy any sense of ’peace’ with much noise about attacking terror networks in Pakistan and gearing up the security and intelligence networks with more and more police and intelligence sleuths. Militarised civilian spaces and war with Pakistan; is that what the Wake up India call is all about? And pray how do conflicts usher in peace?
It is apparent that such calls for peace are only inspired by myths. Myth number 1: that if terror camps in Pakistan are busted, all will be well in India. Certainly the entire nation cannot be suffering from a sudden bout of amnesia as to forget the recent revelation of homegrown terror within the territories of India for which neither Pakistan, nor global Islamic militant groups can be held responsible. Besides, where is the substantial evidence against Pakistan? If the terrorists involved in the attack were Pakistani citizens, something that Pakistan government has so far denied, how does that make the Pakistan State or its entire people tacit supporters? Even if there is some indication of some ISI logistical support there is no sense in blaming the entire State for various reasons. First, that Pakistan itself is reeling under a far greater threat of terror attacks of such magnitude in all its major cities, leave alone the north west frontier province or Wazirstan areas. Obviously, the State does not want so much terror within its own territories but is unable to control the monster it may have unleashed decades ago. A nation that is itself in jeopardy cannot be blamed, instead this is time for joint efforts to check the growth of terror lest it consumes the entire sub-continent.
Secondly, if at all there is ISI, Navy or Pakistan army support to the terror groups that were operating in Mumbai, it is not known at what level this existed. After all, it is equally a fact that elements within Indian intelligence agencies and security forces, many at higher levels, have been involved in not just creating disturbance across the border but also within Indian territories. How can one forget the recent revelations about Malegaon, about stories on Kargil war or how mass infiltration at J&K borders was taking place in the early nineties? The Kandhar hijacking has been a subject of enigma for many, though some blind ’patriots’ who feel that pushing everything under the carpet would make the country a better place to live in have happily looked the other way. Or take the parliament attack case. What makes people shut their ears and eyes to Afzal Guru’s story, about working for some security force officers? The blunders of 2001-2002 that cost the nation dearly and played havoc with the lives of the people on the borders should not be repeated. Obviously, there is a rot that needs to be dealt with on this side, as should Pakistan deal with miscreants within its own agencies and forces. But the point is that much of terror, if not sponsored by these agencies is certainly being abetted, for reasons that need to be grappled with, instead of beginning shadow boxing and finding, rather creating an ’Enemy’ outside. Homegrown terror appears to be as much out of control of India, as it is in Pakistan, if it is not the case of lack of an initiative. And terror is not just to do with jihadi groups. India’s home-grown terror comes in varied forms like anti-Sikh riots, Gujarat holocaust, Orissa, besides SIMI and the militarized saffron brigade. So, the enemy inside needs to be fought before India forgets that those who live in glass houses should not throw stones at others.
Much of the focus of the suddenly ’awakened’ Indians is also pivoted around the demand for gearing up the intelligence and security networks by recruiting more sleuths and personnel. It is being argued that one police or security personnel for every 1000 people is not enough. Perhaps, they should visit Jammu and Kashmir, or the north-east, where the ratio of one personnel for every 25 people has done precious little to stop grenade attacks. Rather this extreme militarization has played havoc with the lives of the people - gross violation of human rights abuse, cross-firings and rapes are things that have become routine in these parts of the world. Besides, the intelligence networks have co-opted civilians to a great extent in playing the role of informers and spies that has not only vitiated the atmosphere, but has also badly polluted the social and cultural ethos. The awakened citizens must remember that more is not merrier, neither does it define efficiency. Efficiency comes with cleansing the rot, rooting out corruption from within the intelligence and security agencies, making them accountable and transparent, but the problems are just being brushed under the carpet.
Consciousness about issues facing the nation is a must and citizens must make the government including the politicians at the top accountable by asking questions. But a consciousness bereft of a sense of history, politics or the knowledge of facts can only make this awakening more dangerous. Let us reflect a little on facts before we start pouring out on the streets in rage and be doomed to a fate where no government can ensure the safety of its citizens.
