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July 24, 2003 Even the average Indian patriot who gets a dose of high strung patriotism after watching a Bollywood flick on the struggle for independence or the burning issue of terrorism in Kashmir is hugely disappointed by the pathetic manner in which India has bowed its heads before American interests. It is of no significance that a neatly crafted scene in such a movie makes the hairs on our body stand upright. The lack of national character is sordid saga sung again and again over the years as Pakistan and its stooges continue to eat away the head of Bharat Ma. The endurance that Kashmir possesses with respect to the incessant pelting it has been receiving over the years, is never a self-induced situation. The Lords of the land have brought about this doleful fate with their inherent capacity to lick chappals and the ‘strain’ imprinted in the genes of each and every Indian - Selfishness. Over the years several anomalies in the administrative, social and military level have gone through stringent introspection and it can be said with complete faith that no stone has been left unturned. The solutions that have emerged over the years have been disheartening. But it is evident that none of the decision makers in the past attributed any value to self- respect and now a similar terror, a more harrowing sequel is already running houseful at all theatres near you. Lamentations will never help us but a brief analysis of the striking, glaring blunders we have shown over the years will justify the title of this column. Every one starting from Jawaharlal Nehru to Atalji have misplaced the faith and trust that the voters of this diverse land pass on when the reins of the country are handed over to them. From the clapped-out Panchsheel Tatva to the Drama at Kandahar, from the Simla Agreement to the Agra summit, from the UN slip up to the recent bomb blast near the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly complex, it has been an ugly journey. While the incidents of September 11 have shaken the international community, the gruesome blast perpetrated on innocent human beings by the Jaish-e-Mohammed has gone unnoticed. The US amidst its condolences has pronounced a purely pro Pakistan verdict. While the sanctions were lifted swiftly and Pakistan stole the limelight with ease, their Indian counterparts have been busy issuing words of sympathy and support for Bush. More shocking is the continued silence that the Government maintains even when the valley is reeking with acts of cowardice, the benchmark of the Jihad’s. The silence is even more perceptible in these turbulent times. The United States of America has been sleeping with our enemy and without even an ounce of shame the external Affairs Minister of the country mumbles with marbles in his mouth, on precious airtime provided to him by CNN… Magnanimous! And shameless! Why do we call ourselves Indians? If these incidents have not touched your heart, challenged your sensibility and undermined your self-respect like the heartless rulers of the land then you would find it easy to identify yourself with the sentiments these spoilsports harbour in their hearts with non-chalance. It is as if there is an immortal spring of patience that irrigates a boundless field of lethargy. Though intelligence reports confirm the fact that a huge bulk of the terrorists are being called back to Afghanistan to sacrifice themselves in the holy war against the Americans, one fails to comprehend the Governments taciturnity and lack of intelligence. When a massive clean up in the valley with the aid of the existing military and paramilitary forces would once and for all drive out the militants at this strategic time, providing once airstrips and fuelling pods to the thirsty American planes is the only thing that materialises. Thanks to this long drawn out disdain even the irreproachable Farooq Abdullah had to burst into tears along with his colleagues to convince the visiting central minister the futility of patient talks. A war should have settled the issue undisputedly, but the date of initiation of such an initiative has passed throwing stony looks at us. Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal thwarts any thoughts for an armed settlement. But India should never shy away from it if given no other choice. Talking of choices the solutions are well placed and possess enough clarity. A firm plan to eradicate terrorism from the valley must be initiated. India should bravely denounce foreign intervention. The world police man should be politely asked not to stick his lathi down our throat and pursue his beat energetically in other provinces showcasing incapable imbeciles as leaders. This methodology if followed sincerely will certainly lead to restoration of peace. As for the abject disregard Pakistan has shown towards India’s pleas and its cruel hobby of sponsoring terrorism, the descendants of Chattrapathi Shivaji, Bhagat Singh, Subash Chandra Bose should take up arms not for the sake of nationalism but for posterity. Out battle should never be like the ones Americans are waging in the wastelands of Afghanistan, it is certainly not the war of democracies against global terrorism but an utterly one-sided affair. An American war for protecting American interests. We will put up no pretensions, our justifications will be laced with tales of terror and untold pains the valley has been subjected to over the years. Americans who are aware of Pakistan’s role in sponsoring terrorism in Kashmir have constantly demanded proof. We may not have the rubble of 110 storied WTC’s to show hem as proof but it is sad to note that thousands of innocent human beings and their families who have been sacrificed on the rock hard altar of Jihad has failed to open the eyes of the world. Collin Powell has issued a statement expressing hope that both Indian and Pakistan would not indulge in provocative actions in these tough times, but more than a plea it is a command, a clear proof of whose having the upper hand. There is some logic in remaining patient for some time. But, what after that? Advani recently said that India needs no foreign help to counter terrorism and are well equipped to cleanse it. Doesn’t matter. Sound and fury signifying nothing. We do not need words, we need action, that too efficient and timely. And we as responsible citizens should not be sitting around hoping. . If we do not act instantly our children will be forced to learn J for Jaish-e- Muhammad instead of J for Jug, ‘H’ for Harkat ul Ansar instead of ‘H’ for horse, ‘A’ for Al Qaida instead of ‘A’ for Apple. Names that petrify, names they will chant in fear. As for the present bunch of duds and a few predecessors of similar nature, I have only one thing to say: Spine-Less! ------------ About the author: Born on 22 February 1983 in Trivandrum, Kerala, Nikesh Murali is a prize winning short story writer, reviewer, columnist, playwright and poet. His published works include: Collateral Damage (2001, No Spine), Thirteen(2002, No Spine), Songs of the Raven(2002, NoSpine), Midst of Bees(2002, Kingfisher), Fear(2002, Fairgo), Lovemaking(2003, Kingfisher), Autumn Love(2003, Rowe). His poetry has been translated into more than seven languages and won several international awards. He is the editor of several print and online publications. Email Nikesh Murali: nikesh_murali@rediffmail.com Comment on this column in the forum. Tell a friend about this site! ------------ |
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