Reach out and seek help
The mindless carnage of 26th November in Mumbai has immensely angered the Indian government, people and also us all. We all condemn the terrible act in the strongest possible terms. The Indian government needs to devise means to combat terrorism in its own soil and safeguard its populace, and prevent its escalation in other Asian countries. A pertinent question arises- why does it keep on happening? India experienced terrorist attack in 2003 and then it kept on repeating. Early finger pointing at Pakistan or Bangladesh or Nepal will not help solve the problem, rather it will alienate them and the situation will turn more difficult.
120 million Muslims in India mostly belong to the economically deprived class. They are not the beneficiaries of the economic boom in India. To their plight were added incidences of Babri Masjid demolition, Gujarat riots and killings, BJP-Shivsena-BHP-RSS anti-Muslim activities, Kashmir factor, apathy of central government etc. Their problems need to be addressed. The Indian government and the majority people of India need to reach out and bring the Muslims to the main stream of financial, social, cultural, political activities. India ought to involve the Muslims in planning and execution of anti-terrorist actions. Lots of homework needs to be done. India should also involve the Pakistan government, intelligence agencies, anti-terrorist agencies, and seek their help in fighting the terrorists. Pakistan knows them best. The present Pakistan government is different from the previous ones. They sound genuinely eager to improve relationship with India and fight fanatic ultra-conservative Muslim terrorists.
The Indian government should not overreact. Anti-Islam or anti-Muslim stances will further aggravate the already volatile situation.
We urge upon the Indian government to arrange high-level meetings of Indian agencies, Pakistani agencies, Indian Muslims, and discuss and devise strategies of fighting the terrorists, and also solve the problems of Indian Muslims and bring them to the mainstream.
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