War on Mumbai!!!

It is sad, even after 48 hours since the attack was launched, the war is still on. More than 160are killed and hundreds injured. The deceased include 15 security personnel, 6 foreigners other civilians and few terrorists. It was a unique operation carried out by the terrorists, some of them at least believed to have landed by the sea route from Karachi. Police is still unsure about the total number of terrorists involved, certainly points towards much larger than believed to have landed from a ship. This means, Indian sympathizers are also part of the terror group.

There is no hint whatsoever from the terrorists as to what their purpose is. Having targeted top 5 star hotels and a settlement where Jewish families are staying, they seem to have aimed at Westerners. Recent similar attack on Marriott Hotel in Pakistan also points to the fact that, the attack is not just against Pakistan or India, it is against the Westerners. May be that the terror groups are not finding it easy to settle their scores with Westerners, hence targeting those who are within their reach.

Indian citizens have stood united in this hour of tragedy. Hardly anyone pointed finger at any political Party or Religion responsible for this. Even the opposition parties have stood in support of the Indian Government. However, it was not correct for the External Affairs Minister to point finger at Pakistan for whatever has happened. Did Pakistan blame India for the attack on Marriott Hotel? It may be true that Dawood IbrahimDawood Ibrahim is living in Karachi. (I have been so told by a Pakistani himself). It is also true that few militants are from Pakistan. So are many from India. If we cannot contain the militants on our soil, how can we blame our neighbour for the same reason? It is the need of the hour for both India and Pakistan cooperate to counter the menace of terrorism. More we delay on this account, we will be facing more such attacks, in India as well as Pakistan. Pakistan Regime has done well by sending ISI Chief and other emissaries to India to discuss the issue. Let it be a beginning, let it be an eye-opener! We may choose the road to peace and stability, so as to grow together!

India needs to beef up the security much more. There is no point in taking swift action by the security forces, after such events take place. Why can't the Police and security forces carry out random checks of individuals, vehicles, ships and boats? If not a fool proof method, it can serve as a deterrent. It is absurd to learn that a group of terrorrists arrived by a ship and got transferred to a boat which landed them ashore. What foolproof system is available for Immigration, Customs, Coast Guard or even Navy to ensure that such activities won't happen. We have such a foll-proof system to account for every aircrafts and individuals arriving by those aircrafts. The yellow line at the immigration is considered the boundary line of our country. Anyone crossing it on either side is accounted. We need such a foolproof system for anyone coming here by land or sea also.

I take this opportunity to share the grief with the bereaved families, particularly of those brave men, including Mr Hemant, the Chief of the Anti Terror Squad and Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan of National Security Guard, May the Almighty give them mental strength to withstand this tragedy in their family.