Teror in Mumbai.
Terror has to be tackled in two ways - one be called hardware and the other, software. India has failed in both.
The hardware, of course, is the well-equipped police with an intelligence network, telecommunications and transport, well-trained, well-paid and well-motivated personnel, and the latest defensive and offensive weapons, legal frame-work etc. The police also need functional autonomy to do its job without any political interference.
The software is equally important and that is, the education of the people. We are a sovereign secular democratic republic which assures liberty, equality and fraternity. We have not taught our people that this is the essence of all religions as well whatever be the name of God, rituals and myths of every religion.We want to build a casteless and creedless society of equals.The state offers equal opportunities to all and if you don't get it, you can avail many avenues of redressal. When there is a general election, there is no need for a general strike or a teror strike. You can change your government. There is no place for violence. Democracy means respecting every individual and his beliefs. Of course, our demcracy is not perfect but it it requires participation of all the people for good governance. It also requires patience and compromise. We have failed to convey this message to our younger generation. Our constitution and its message has to be taught to every child so that nobody becomes a fanatic or a terrorist. Merely singing national anthem and saluting the flag which we do is not enough.
The software is equally important and that is, the education of the people. We are a sovereign secular democratic republic which assures liberty, equality and fraternity. We have not taught our people that this is the essence of all religions as well whatever be the name of God, rituals and myths of every religion.We want to build a casteless and creedless society of equals.The state offers equal opportunities to all and if you don't get it, you can avail many avenues of redressal. When there is a general election, there is no need for a general strike or a teror strike. You can change your government. There is no place for violence. Democracy means respecting every individual and his beliefs. Of course, our demcracy is not perfect but it it requires participation of all the people for good governance. It also requires patience and compromise. We have failed to convey this message to our younger generation. Our constitution and its message has to be taught to every child so that nobody becomes a fanatic or a terrorist. Merely singing national anthem and saluting the flag which we do is not enough.
There have been many terror strikes in India during the last four years of UPA goverment. But nothing has been done to book the culprits except of course the Malegoan blast.
November 29,2008.
*****
November 29,2008.
*****
