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December 8, 2009

Margashirsha Krushna Saptami, Kaliyug Varsha 5111

By Arun Nehru

The National Investigation Agency has launch a detailed probe into the role that David Coleman Headley — a US citizen of Pakistani origin — and Tahawwur Hussain Rana — a Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin — had in setting up terror infrastructure in this country. The probe may take many months as it appears that the duo had set up a solid network. America’s FBI has done a superb job in tracking and arresting Headley and Rana. No matter how much one maligns the security procedures in the US, the truth of the matter is that they are effective and have been successful in preventing terror strikes on American soil since 9/11. I sometimes wonder if this could ever happen in India where security systems are handicapped by vote-bank politics.

After the Headley and Rana episode, our Government has little option but to enforce strict visa regulations. The internal security situation is far from happy in Pakistan and Afghanistan and there is utter chaos with bombings taking place on a daily basis. The terrorists are gaining in strength with each passing day. We are in the middle of a war and unless we act with ruthless intent and crack down on sleeper cells and terrorist sympathisers within the country, we are heading for another disaster like 26/11.

I feel sorry for film director Mahesh Bhatt and his family. His son Rahul could have been treated more kindly for being forthcoming about his association with Headley and his voluntary co-operation with the security agencies in the investigation. Nonetheless, the probe into the Headley affair has to be thorough and it would be premature to arrive at any conclusions at this stage.

There are many in India with close links to Pakistan — through family, business interests, academic and cultural associations. The vast majority on both sides of the border would like to see relations improve between the two countries. But sadly, this positive thinking is seen as a weakness by those obsessed with extreme religious dogma.

Media reports about the four people who have been arrested for distributing fake currency through Bangladesh and that of Mohammed Ali, the Pakistani spy with an Indian passport who was recently arrested from Delhi airport, prove that there are huge gaps in our systems that terrorists and anti-national elements can exploit. The war against terror can never succeed if these systems are not strengthened sufficiently and the loopholes plugged.

With relentless 24x7 media coverage into the Headley-Rana case, facts can sometimes be misreported. It is important to remember that disclosures are still at a preliminary stage and there is little doubt that both the US and India will pursue the investigation with great urgency.

There is also little doubt about the fact that at senior levels of the Government action is being taken to prevent people like Headley and Rana from operating against this country. But lapses remain at lower levels. I was shocked to see Kavita Karkare tearfully express her anguish that the bullet-proof jacket that her late husband Hemant Karkare was wearing when he was shot dead by Ajmal Amir Kasab and his fidayeen colleagues and the file relating to its procurement are missing. Can it really be possible that the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad chief died because of a defective bullet-proof jacket? This must attract the attention of those in authority.

Pakistan has spoken in many voices with respect to the dossiers on 26/11 submitted by India. But after the arrests of Headley and Rana by the FBI, does it really need further proof of how certain forces in that country are complicit in spreading terrorism? And will the US be willing to suspend aid to Pakistan if Islamabad fails to act against terror groups operating from its soil in a decisive manner? We have acted with maturity and restraint vis-à-vis Pakistan but there are political and emotional limits which cannot be crossed by any political party in a democratic set-up.

I am deeply distressed with the recent trend where political authority is being disputed and held to ransom by financial clout and muscle power. We have seen unfortunate events in Andhra Pradesh after the tragic demise of former Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy. The situation is no better for the BJP in Karnataka. We are also witnessing organised plunder of public resources in Jharkhand where not only former Chief Minister Madhu Koda but every political party is involved in scams worth thousands of crore. Look at the muted interest with which the probe into the Koda scam is being conducted! It appears that the only one really interested in the truth is the media.

The Koda scam is truly baffling as Rs 4,000 crore is involved, and in a single instance Rs 600 crore was deposited in a national bank. Can this be treated as a routine, legal transaction under our existing laws? The assets of Jharkhand have been looted by successive State Governments. Yet we are going to have another election and in all probability all those responsible for the present state of affairs will once again be the policy-makers in the State.

We are heading for serious trouble in the future and, as I have mentioned earlier, the lack of transparency in political donations is leading to massive corruption and extortion. Most of these funds become legitimate wealth as many political families are producing business tycoons of exceptional merit and making a mockery of political authority. The interests of a small minority are holding the entire system to ransom.

I am truly disappointed that few in the ruling party or in the Opposition are willing to dare and make an issue of this. But at the end of the day, we get the kind of Government we choose. Unless our polity is able to produce better leaders and we the public are able to exercise our franchise to put such people in power, things will continue to remain unchanged.

Source: The Pioneer

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