It was the audacious act India has ever seen. If what happened was a fact what is needed to happen is the opportunity. Some one said "it is is India 9/11". Yes, 9/11 was the defining moment for United States of America. As a matter of fact, USA still not recovered from the impact and struggling to define a new paradigm. Is India ready to make some fundamental changes?
Sometimes I wonder why we should we read History. The truth is, History would always tell us about the opportunities we have to shape our future. Terrorism is now integral part of India. The so called Kashmir or North East have now arrived into the Indian heartland. The first lesson from history is - successive Indian governments have failed to control, deal or alleviate the problems that have been persistent for the past six decades. As a matter of fact, the cross border issues (read Kashmir) to a large extent served as a political ammunition for various parties in the name of secularism or Hindutva. In one way or other, they have used these issues to make voters emotional either way - either to charge or to make them withdraw for the factual situation.
Event at Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Jaipur or Ahmadabad are not sporadic events any more. When the Governments failed to deal with the issues at the door steps for so long, now their ability to deal with even complex problems in the heartland would require equal level of audacity shown by attackers.
Where it is? Where from it will come? Do we have leaders who have the ability, vision and strength to pull India out off these deepening crisis?
If I look at the history as an yardstick, I become very pessimistic about future. The truth of the matter is India does not a have consistent strategy to deal with these gigantic tasks? Since 1993 Mumbai blasts - every time an attack happens - India blames outside forces (read Pakistan). Sometimes, this blame message comes out with bewildering speed even the attack was happening. Even after 15 years India, despite knowing the outside forces angle could do little to protect their own citizens. Does Government Of India have a strategy? What they have been doing for the 15 years and yet making lives of their citizens more vulnerable.
When these things happen, it is now impossible to comprehend who is in charge? This is a clear sign that leadership is lacking. PM, CMs, Ministers, Police, Military and many more try grab some space and limelight. An Indian Politician with no exception has a vision for her or his own survival in the system - and nothing beyond.
Slogans, Slogan and Slogans! "Terrorism cannot defeat India"or "India is capable of dealing with the situation" are of no use until, some concrete actions are put in place.
As I said, this is the defining moment. Let's consider the US or UK. Since the attacks on their soils - the first thing they have done is to control the borders. The news that this week attackers came to India via boats with loads of ammunition to a City where Western Naval Feet is stationed is shocking (In fact, this fleet is couple of miles from the Taj Hotel).
With the country is getting fractured in the same of religion, region, caste and many more - this is the defining moment and opportunity to implement firm actions on secular platform for defining future to prove India will be a super power.
Who can bring this change? In democracy it is voters - and that is the only powerful tool to startwith. Leaders will come from the system then automatically.
Else, Indians will keep seeing more audacious acts in coming days, months or years only from the wrong side.
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