It is now increasingly clear that Pakistan as a nation is unsafe for the entire world. It supports Al Qaeda, destroyed Afghanistan and has been continuing the policy of death by 1000 cuts against India. Worldwide, most of the terrorist planning and operation is done from Pakistan and is a safe haven for terrorists.
It is now time to reverse the policy of death by 1000 cuts on to Pakistan by taking some action like:
- The main reason for the Pakistan to swagger and overconfidence is that no action will be taken against it for any misdemeanour is because they have Nuclear weapons. It is time to de nuclarise Pakistan by coercive diplomacy.
- All compensation claims in case of any terrorist event arising from Pakistani citizens (stateless or otherwise) should be forwarded to Pakistan government. They must pay for their actions – in Cash.
- In every terrorist attack, there is always an ISI connection. It is not only a nuisance for other countries but even its own politicians. The local politicians must be convinced to dismantle ISI for their own survival.
- Restrict the number of visas issued to Pakistanis wanting to visit India. Most of terrorists and their planners would have visited Mumbai several times on a recce visit before executing the attack.
- Stop all trade with Pakistan. Their GDP is on a decline and they are importing most of their daily consumption items especially food stuff.
- Call off all cricketing ties. As our sports minister told us they can’t send a team to Mumbai to kill and then expect us to be playing cricket. Also the PCB is financially dependent on Indo-Pak matches for most of the revenue.
- Don’t give work visas to Pakistani actors for TV & Bollywood. Much hyped the people to people contact has not helped.
- Pakistan may disintegrate anytime so the Indian government must start negotiating with local politicians especially those from Sindh & Baloch governors. India must give up the thought that you can’t change the neighbours.
- Pakistan is a bankrupt country. It survives on loans by IMF. India must force the IMF do give conditional aid and arrange to dismantle the terrorists infrastructure.
War is not an option, but taking no action would be worse. Just arresting few people only to be released later will not send a positive sign. This policy must be pursued till time they hand over the 40 people demanded by the government of India.
At least 200 people including 25 foreigners have been killed in attack by terrorists in Mumbai. It was the most violent terror attack on India and struck at the city’s most high-profile targets including the landmark Taj Hotel at the Gateway and the luxury Oberoi Trident. The attacks have also taken a tragic toll on the Mumbai’s top police brass and the high-profile chief of the anti-terror squad (ATS) Hemant Karkare was killed.
The target – Indian Economy
India is not a third world country anymore. Yes it is a developing economy with several poor people, but in an atmosphere of gloom and doom in the global economy, India is one of the very few countries with over 8% growth rate. The terrorists have struck at main symbols of prestige and targeted the elite business community. The impact on the minds of the Indian Industrialists, business community and investor would be enormous but short lived because Indian economy is not too globally integrated.
The perpetrator – Pakistan
As usual all leads point to Pakistan. The terrorists came from Karachi and were constantly in touch with their bosses in Pakistan. The victims were profiled and killed especially Jews. The terrorist caught has confessed to being from Faridkot, recieved training in Muzaffarabad and came from Karachi city in Pakistan. Also satellite phone, ammuninations and mobiles recovered from Terrorists are from Pakistan.
The operation – Army Way
There are 3 ways to solve a problem – the right way, the wrong way & the army way. There may be several armchair critics who would argue that it could have been planned better, but in such a tight situation, it was executed very methodically. During the entire operation there was no argument, no discussion, no, hostage, no ransom – just action. The NSG commandos came, completed the assignment and moved out. Yes, they acted as though they had no hostage situation but then they were dealing with cold blooded Mad Animals.
Our government – Absolute Failure
Also it is a complete failure on the part of the UPA government. Instead of giving pseudo secular statements the prime minister must now act. The Home Minster, Shivraj Patil is treated as totally incompetent by all sections of the country. There have been so many bomb blasts since the UPA government took over that it seems there is no central intelligence and police working at all.
It is the thought going through all NRI’s today. As employment opportunities dry up in western economies and rising crime makes life unbearable. Most educated NRI’s are thinking of coming home. In a sombre status of global economy, India can boast of a sound financial system, international standard schooling for kids and a relatively booming economy.
In this latest article in New York Times an NRI shares his enthusiasm for all things Indian:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/23/weekinreview/23anand.html?ref=weekinreview
Some of it is old cliché. Ignore that part and be proud that today India is being portrayed in positive light. At least in International media!
The world is presently going through an economic crisis. The problem began with
US banks who gave high-risk loans to people with poor credit histories. These loans were then bundled into portfolios, high yield securities and sold to investors globally. As the news of US banks collapse tricked in, every country initially thought they were not affected by it. But soon the whole world realized that the global economy is very interdependent. Growth has slowed down considerably, world is in recession and already few countries have been declared bankrupt.
India has also been affected by the global slowdown. There has been a huge outflow of funds. Stock market has collapsed, exports are down and there is news of job cuts & layoffs across several sectors. The Indian government goading over 10% growth has suddenly been caught unawares. However there is a ray of hope also. We are still not completely integrated with the global economy – especially the badly hit banking, finance and insurance sectors. Some of the steps that we can implement in order to insulate our self from the global recession:
• Implement cost savings across all sectors and reduce unnecessary spending
• Invest in long term projects like roads and infrastructure
• Reduce Imports and discourage corporate and private capital outflows
• All securities, savings and extra cash be deposited in PSU Banks
• Monitor fund inflows and outflows on a regular basis to discourage currency fluctuations
For the Indian economy managers, there are several lessons to be learned from the global economic crises. Like – Focusing on building a strong domestic economy based on local consumption. Strengthening regulating agencies such as SEBI. And most important – not depending entirely on international consultant’s, agencies and regulators.
Media is the most powerful tool to reach a large section of audience and inform them about the latest happenings.
However organized media is easily converted into propaganda. That is sending a concerted set of messages aimed at influencing the opinions of large numbers of people. As opposed to impartially providing information, propaganda in its most basic sense presents information in order to influence its audience.
Propaganda often presents facts selectively to encourage a particular synthesis, or gives loaded messages in order to produce an emotional rather than rational response to the information presented.
The desired result is a change in mindset of the target audience to further a political agenda.
The mass media in India was generally considered as autonomous, impartial and fair in reporting. However in recent times it has lost a great deal of respect especially after the parliament vote for cash – tapes issue. The media has become judgemental, partial and to a large extent controlled & influenced by a certain group of people with vested interests.
There are several instances where it has not played an fair & objective role:
1. Our parliament was recently witness to the most shameful act in democratic history. MP’s were being bought by the UPA to stay in power in the recent trust vote. Rajdeep Sardesai was aware of the scandal and betrayed those who were managing the sting operation. He is the managing editor of the channel CNN IBN that was conducting the sting operation and he personally ensured that the tapes were not telecast that day.
2. Suicide of a Muslim man who married a Hindu girl received huge coverage. It sparked of candle light vigils, discussions etc. But a murder of a Hindu man by his muslim In-laws exactly during that time, received absolutely no coverage.
3. Thousands of Kashmiri Hindu’s were killed and millions displaced from their homes.They are forced to live like refugees in their own country. There is a shocking silence on this issue with absolutely no media coverage, interviews etc to tell their side of story.
4. In almost every exit poll before election results, the media portrays BJP as a loser. It has become so repetitive that most pollsters and journalists have lost credibility. Even a roadside Chai Wala is able to predict the polls better that our so called election survey experts. It appears to be a direct attempt to influence the voter.
5. All news involving Dalits or scheduled castes are shown as symbols of Hindu caste oppression. Whereas most such ghastly acts are simple cases of criminal intent with economic status and not caste being the major issue. Similar acts of discrimination within other religions are never taken up by the mainstream media.
6. M.F Hussain is glorified by liberals to attack and portray Hindus as fanatics. But there was no media noise when an absorbing Hollywood movie – Da Vici Code was banned and there were several violent protests across the country.
The main reasons for the selective propaganda by Indian media could be:
- Most leading journalists and media barons are Christians ( Pranoy Roy )
- They are educated and indoctrinated in Christian run institutes like Stephens college (Rajdeep Sardesai)
- The media companies in India are completely in control by western companies through cross holdings (CNN, NBC, Viacom).
- The media is advertising driven and almost all leading Ad companies in India are foreign subsidiaries of global Ad companies.
The propaganda unleashed by the Indian media can be countered by supplementing the existing media channels and using internet as a tool to spread truth. Already in most western countries, TV and newspaper viewings are rapidly shrinking. Using Internet, ordinary individuals now have the same tools of potential exposure on a scale comparable to large media companies.
So switch off your TV remote and start blogging!
There has been a shootout in Delhi and spate of arrests recently related to the bomb blasts that spread terror and grief across the country. Unlike the general perception the terrorists caught are not poor madrasa educated Muslims but highly educated professionals belonging to well off families. They are Muslim software engineers, MA economics, electrical engineers, & MBA’s.
In a shocking action the Jamia Millia Islamia Vice-Chancellor, Mushirul Hasan had stated that the university would bear the cost of legal aid of its two students who were arrested by Delhi Police in connection with the Delhi blasts.
There is no problem in providing legal aid, but is it his money? No, Jamia Millia is a central government university and has been funded by hard working citizen & tax payer’s money. If the vice chancellor is actively funding and supporting terrorists, then how will the students behave? In his single misguided step he has castigated the entire University as a terror sponsoring organization.Also it is the first time in the history of nation state that a ruling government is funding terrorists.
What is next – will Prof Mushirul give the JM university students, bomb making training?
Pl. comment.
The UPA led by Congress party came to power after an impressive election campaign targeting the –aam admi (common man). It was expected that the country would get an efficient government headed by the highly respected economist Dr. Manmohan Singh. Though government was supported by the communist parties, it managed to complete the first three years in office with average performance. But now in its last year in office it seems that the government is in disarray and the top leadership seems rudderless.
As a result of UPA government’s mishandling of several sensitive issues, India is today facing numerous challenges like:
Democracy maligned
After the cash for vote scam, there is little credibility left for our elected leaders. Our main triumph, as being the world’s largest democracy sounds a little hollow today. Now, it is not democracy but plutocracy (wealthy rule over the poor) that has been imposed on India.
Threat to Territorial integrity
Kashmir seems to be in a hopeless situation. For the first time we are watching live on TV, discussions & debates whether we should give up a part of the country. There are live images of Indian flags being burned; leading columnists are asking questions which would have been considered as anti national anywhere else.
Rising Regionalism
Is it a crime to talk in national language? India’s most respected film artist had to apologise on his wife’s behalf for daring to speak in Hindi. And a local unelected regional leader openly challenges the police commissioner to come on street, without wearing uniform. The state government does not even have guts to file a case, while his goons go on a rampage across Maharashtra.
Unabated Inflation
The prices of almost all essential commodities have doubled over the past three years. Economists may argue that it is a global phenomenon, but low wages and poverty is not a global phenomenon. There is no concept of social security in India, unlike other countries where inflation effect is absorbed by government.
Pseudo secularism at its worst
In the name placating minorities the government has crossed all limits. In Andhra, Christians will be subsidized for a visit to Vatican. Delhi has reservation and education subsidies for Sikhs, Parsis & Jains but not for poor Hindus. Although it is common knowledge that they are high above in the per capita level and don’t need subsidies.
Terrorism Threat
Serial bomb blasts seems to have become a monthly feature in Indian calendar. The response by our home minister is always the same, that we must be patient and not take revenge. But there is absolutely no will power to counter terror. Almost all educated people want strict terror laws except our home minister who is mysteriously reluctant. To make matters worse, some cabinet ministers are openly supporting terrorist organizations.
The UPA government has postponed the winter session. The entire focus of the present government seems to be in somehow operatinalizing the Indo – US nuclear deal. There is a view that the government is in a hurry to sign some large contracts related to defence and nuclear supplies and is not bothered about the nitty gritty of running the country.
As humble citizens of India, we would request the election commission to chair an emergency meeting and discuss about the modalities of holding an early general election. Hope they act before it is too late!
Today nuclear deal is being hailed as the panacea for all our power shortage problems.
If we go a few decades back, Enron was considered as a landmark in foreign direct investment and solution to all our power crises.
In a joint venture with U.S. companies General Electric and Bechtel, Enron was to build the power plant. The project was not open to competitive bids and that the deal was too costly. World Bank analysis questioned the project’s economic viability, citing the high cost of importing and using liquefied natural gas relative to other domestic sources of fuels. Even the power purchase agreement was kept top secret. The project was a colossal failure riddled with allegation of corruption and Enron’s highhanded behaviour. Subsequently for the first time ever, the Indian government agreed to underwrite the liabilities of a private company.
Ironically the players are the same. In India, congress government in centre is negotiating with the US lobby. G.E & Bechtel were the partners with Enron. They are also major nuclear reactor suppliers. Fuel and equipment is imported and power is too expensive.
There are too many similarities to ignore. The end result would be the same. Junk equipment worth billions of dollars will be bought at taxpayer’s expense. It will be made tax exempt. Fuel will be imported. People will get power at unaffordable rates and state government will end up subsidizing it.
All in the name of national interest and attainment of power self sufficiency, we are again falling in the trap.
There are so many alternatives to solving the long term power crises. First privatize the power distribution companies. Delhi government has shown tha way. Losses are down by over 50%.Build a network of hydel plants across the Himalayan states. Setup a power trading company to buy surplus power and sell it to the power deficient states.
Why don’t we learn from history?
Several leading columnists, editorials and eminent authors have recently given their opinion that it is better to give freedom to Kashmir. It not only gives a indication on the level of nationalism of English media but also their courage in adversity. Thankfully a diverse country such as India is not run by opinion polls and editorials. Since everybody has an extreme opinion on other community.
Those advocating separation are being plain stupid, ignorant about history or both. A separation of region will be result in bloodshed almost in same scale as partition. It is not as though just because there are protests in a region there will be a border redrawn and everybody going to work next day.
Kashmiris are spread across India. All colleges, districts, private sector companies have kashmiris. Should not they all leave? Soon there will be calls to throw them out whether they want to leave or not. Next, how do you identify a Kashmiri? Naturally Muslims will be targeted.
Questions will arise as to whether pseudo secularists such as Shabana Azmi are Kashmir? Bus/truck filled will bodies will cross the new border.
Kashmir does not have any food producing or manufacturing capacity. So there will be a new Gandhi in India who will go on fast asking for financial assistance etc to the new country. There will be boundary issues. There are several regions of Jammu district which have muslim majority who may align with Kashmir and visa versa. Kashmiri pandits have a long pending demand for separate region.
I don’t have the heart to write further, you may read a few books on partition such as – train to Pakistan, toba tek singh etc as there is a chance that history may be repeated.
And again the next generation of Indian Muslims is tainted as traitors!
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