Author: Editorial
Publication: The Pioneer
Date: September 15, 2008
PM has no time for internal security
The terrorist strike in Delhi last Saturday
was waiting to happen. Intelligence agencies, it transpires, had information
about a possible bombing. Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi had communicated
to the Union Government the findings of the investigation into the July 26
terrorist strike in Ahmedabad which clearly highlighted the jihadi plan to
attack Delhi. Yet, the bombers had their way, extracting a terrible toll of
human lives and maiming scores of people. This is primarily because the UPA
Government has abdicated its responsibility to ensure the safety and security
of the people of India. The Prime Minister is either busy pushing the nuclear
deal with the US or agonising over the plight of terrorists and their families.
If there is any time left, he spends it on devising new means of pandering
to Islamic fanaticism. The Home Minister is infatuated with what he thinks
is sartorial elegance and does not have either the time or the inclination
-- his critics would say he lacks the ability -- to bother about internal
security. The Congress believes inaction against jihadis will fetch the party
Muslim votes. The UPA is convinced that allowing Islamists to run riot is
the most effective demonstration of its 'secular' credentials. The death and
destruction caused by those whom the Prime Minister, the Home Minister and
the UPA Government seek to protect is of no concern to them. Therefore, the
bunkum that we have heard since Saturday's bombings -- the Prime Minister's
routine call for 'peace'; the Home Minister's incoherent, asinine banalities;
and, the meaningless condemnation of India's 'enemies' -- should be treated
with no more than the contempt they deserve.
There is no percentage in berating intelligence
agencies or the police for failing to prevent Saturday's terrorist strike.
For, security agencies take their cue from the political leadership of the
day. With the UPA regime making it abundantly clear, through word and deed,
that it is not interested in tracking down and neutralising terrorists --
recall how it continues to keep Mohammed Afzal Guru in good health -- there
is no reason for intelligence agencies and the police to invite censure and
punishment for being pro-active. If the Gujarat Police has been able to track
down the perpetrators of the attack on Ahmedabad, then it is because of the
determination of the State's political leadership to combat terrorism. That
determination can neither be expected nor demanded of an effete regime whose
sole purpose appears to be to white-wash the crimes of those who indulge in
the slaughter of innocents. In the process, a great offence is being committed
against the Muslims of India -- the overwhelming majority of them repudiate
terrorism in the name of Islam, yet the Government's policy of inaction against
terrorists so as not to upset Muslims burdens the community with a collective
crime in the most unfair manner. It is for Muslims to speak up and make their
voice heard, and to distance themselves from the pernicious policy of appeasement.
And, it is for the people of this country to wake up to the reality and force
the Government to act, even at this late stage. If the Government refuses
to act, the people must demonstrate that a bogus nuclear deal cannot help
the Prime Minister and the Congress to remain in power.
