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| ... In other words, the plan is to execute secret military operations (assassination, sabotage, “deception”) which would intentionally result in terrorist attacks on innocent people, including Americans—essentially to “combat terrorism” by causing it !” |
A few dozens heavily armed men descended on the so called resilient Mumbai on November 26, 2008 and started their operation to the minutest detail of their planning. Splitting in squads, they hit the ten different locations at a time when in Europe government officials finished their day, went home to relax before their TV’s, and when in North America people started their day for the “Thanksgiving break.”
Indian Elite commandos’ three-day stand off with terrorists shook India, and the international community. The impact of the brutal rampage starting on Wednesday and ending on Saturday is said to be even greater than 9/11 because of the lingering effects of the little by little unfolding details of gore and blood. Terrorists’ single-minded determination and high motivation became the state-of-the-art focus of the world’s media.
The utter failure or willful negligence of the Indian intelligence came under heavy attack of the global society. The questions were raised if the Indian intelligence, as claimed, had foreboding of the impending mayhem, what measures were taken to stop it? If none, can it be said that Intelligence bureaus wanted it to happen, maybe for some secretive political gain? Agencies’ warning of a major terrorist activity in Mumbai at the end of the year was published in prominent newspapers in September, 2008. In view of the gravity of the situation, law enforcement had three months to coordinate efforts to stop the impending carnage. Mumbai citizens are angry and frustrated at gunmen’s easy access to city’s landmarks of socialization. The fact that they faced virtually no obstruction, whatsoever, should compel the central government to hold the state administration responsible and if possible dismiss it.
| "The bomb blast in Muslim dominated Malegaon and Samjhauta Express train between India and Pakistan are deliberate acts to aggravate terrorism." |
The non-entity status of Maharashtra government has manifested in its failure to enforce rule of law. It is a common knowledge in Mumbai that the state government runs through the offices of Hindu supremacist Bal Thackeray of Shiv Sena, and Raj Thackeray of Nav Nirman Sena. In January 1993, Bal Thackeray allegedly coordinated with police to teach lesson to Mumbai Muslims; they were protesting against the demolition of Babri Masjid by Hindus on December 6, 1992. The anarchy let loose in the city led to deaths of about 1000 people, a majority of these were Muslims. Though indicted by Justice Srikrishna Commission, Bal Thackeray continues to enjoy elite status in Mumbai. Thackeray’s writ is no secret. Bollywood stars like Amitabh Bachan and Shahrukh Khan bow their heads to them for their safety in Mumbai.
According to analysts, three months time after intelligence agencies’ warning of a 9/11- type invasion should not have been wasted in allowing Thackerays to hold Mumbai to ransom. Raj Thackeray’s threat to cleanse the city of Biharis, and their beating by his men should have invoked stringent measures to restore the confidence of minorities vital to Mumbai’s economy.
At the close of rescue operation on Saturday, among 200 dead were foreigners, commandos, Mumbai’s elites, visitors and hotel personnel. Death toll still could go higher as more than 400 people are still nursing their wounds in various hospitals. Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) chief Hemant Karkare, DIG Ashok Kamte and Inspector Vijay Salaskar were reportedly killed in the crossfire. However, many bloggers allege that domestic gangs have shot them under the cover of terrorist attack. This theory maybe utterly untrue though. The magnificent Taj Mahal building, a Mumbai landmark was last to be cleared of terrorists holed up in its 460 rooms. The glitz and glamour may take a long time to return to Taj. Six deaths in Jewish center including of Rabbi and his wife shattered relatives in Israel and America. The conflicting reports that were still pouring in on Saturday raised questions of the real identity of the terrorists. Initial evidence, however, points the finger at Pakistan.
US president George Bush and the state secretary Condoleezza Rice monitored the situation from minute to minute at David camp. A FBI squad was dispatched to the besieged Indian city. British Prime Minister asked the Scotland Yard Police to probe Mumbai massacre. Israel deployed a team for investigation of the origin of the well-coordinated attack. In a stern warning, the Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh asked Pakistan to send ISI chief to come to India for cooperation in the investigation.
The amount of attention Mumbai attack has attracted is a pointer towards the possibility of some consensus on the war on terrorism. But the question still remains, when there is no single definition of terrorism, how can there be a common strategy to fight it? Will the participating nations address the flagrant violation of human rights linked to terrorist activities? Or will terrorism be considered a mental disorder, the remedy of which is yet to be found? Such questions may create divergence of opinions of the world leaders.
| "India may fit in the definition of a provocateur state. The modus operandi of provocation is to play with religious, ethnic and caste identities of minorities. Intelligence agencies are believed to have set up their offices incognito in religious places, social and academic centers to provoke violence." |
The war on terrorism requires honesty of purpose, commitment to uphold rule of law, acceptance of diverse cultures, religions and ethnicities. Some states act as provocateur with a view to strengthen their control on citizens. Looking at 60 year history of independence, India may fit in the definition of a provocateur state. The modus operandi of provocation is to play with religious, ethnic and caste identities of minorities. Intelligence agencies are believed to have set up their offices incognito in religious places, social and academic centers to provoke violence. The recent attempt of using Dera Sauda chief in infuriating the entire Sikh community both in Punjab and Maharashtra had almost succeeded. Earlier Nirankari Mission and Punjabi Kesri newspaper played the role of a provocateur. Currently, Dera Sauda, Bhanairewala, Divya Jyoti and the Spokesman newspaper are stirring cauldron of hatred.
The former defense secretary in Bush administration Donald Rumsfeld was accused of inciting provocateur style of terrorism and deceit. Rumsfeld planned “a Super-intelligence Support Activity” to “stir the pot of spiraling global violence.” Frank Morales in his well-researched article “The Provocateur State: Is the CIA Behind the Iraqi “Insurgents” and Global Terrorism?,” outlined that Rumsfeld sought a secret army the “Proactive, Preemptive Operation Group (P2OG)" would actually carry out secret missions designed to provoke terrorist groups into committing violent acts. – In other words, the plan is to execute secret military operations (assassination, sabotage, “deception”) which would intentionally result in terrorist attacks on innocent people, including Americans—essentially to “combat terrorism” by causing it !”
Bhonsala Military Academy at Nasik, a private school for weapon training by a retired Army Col. Raiker and Maj. Prabhakar Kulkarni authenticates the existence of covert operations to provoke terrorism. Col. Raiker belonged to the same unit in which serving Col. Srikant Purohit was in active service before his arrest. The bomb blast in Muslim dominated Malegaon and Samjhauta Express train between India and Pakistan are deliberate acts to aggravate terrorism. The role of a Hindu Sadhwi and Sadhu in terrorist activities had outraged Hindu organizations. They came in support of their imperiled leaders.
A former commander in chief of Western Command, Lt.Gen. P.N. Hoon’s statement on November 14 in Telegraph, Calcutta claimed that he was training Hindu suicide squads on the inspiration of Bal Thackeray. He attested to the fact that a tremendous response came from young men who wanted achieve martyrdom. Col. Jayant Chitale said that he prepared 50 young men for military like operations at Ambernath in Pune. He said, “I will wait for another month to see the progress of cross border terrorism. Then we will start our action and devise ways of infiltrating our suicide squads into Pakistan.” What greater provocation could there be for cross-border terrorism than the comments of Col. Chitale?
Terrorists’ violence has devastated, crippled and snatched hopes of thousand of families. Wounds may never heal. Tourists may disdain to choose the city in their itinerary. The reason maybe simply that the city shelters impudent provocateurs. The fallen ATF chief’s family has shown great respect to late Hemant Karkare’s soul by rejecting Gujrat CM’s tempting grant.
(Opinions and views expressed in guest articles are not necessarily endorsed by Khalsa Press and it's affiliates.)
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