On September 24, a couple of heavily armed young terrorists stormed the Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar and killed over 30 innocent children and adults, while seriously injuring over 100 people.
Fortunately, brave Indian commandos stormed the complex and killed both the terrorists and ended their 14 hour siege. Two handwritten notes were found in Urdu from the dead men. Pakistan was promptly blamed for the event since it looked like the handiwork of ISI agents who have been promoting cross-border terrorism. Gujarat, the state where Gandhiji, the foremost proponent of peaceful protest was born, has been going thorugh a terrible cycle of violence over the last few quarters. Most recently, the appalling attack on the train carrying Hindu pilgrims in Godhra on 27th February, and the ferocious round of attack and counter-attack which followed has left the state numb and helpless. Fortunately, the response throughout the country after this temple attack was more muted, and military was called into action to protect the innocent across the nation.
I join all my fellow patriots in strongly condemning this senseless act in a peaceful place of worship. I offer my condolences to the impacted families. This act was also widely condemned by leaders around the world. Well, condemned by almost all leaders. Many hedged their comments with ifs and buts. Many even tried to fan the flames of hatred by holding the Hindus indirectly responsible for this event, and bringing it upon themselves. Many of the same leaders still blame Israel for the Set 11 event!
How should India respond? Gandhiji had said that 'an eye for an eye will make the whole nation blind'.
The Hindu community should continue to show tremendous restraint in spite of such savage provocation. The deadly game of destabilisation cannot be allowed to succeed. The objective of the terrorists was clear: create more friction between the Hindu and Muslim communities, and tear the secular fabric of the nation. Islam should not be allowed to be used as an excuse to inflict death or suffering. This struggle is between the good and the evil. This struggle is between the terrorists and those who support terrorists and the peaceful citizens of the world. Senseless mob violence and revenge attacked should be avoided at all costs.
But our scriptures also teach us to defend ourselves strongly against evil. We cannot just be passive about it. We must respond as a nation, as soon as we identify the sponsors of this terrorist acts. Until then, we must continue to show restraint. We must bring forth adequate evidence, and use the means of diplomacy as the first step in our response. Non-resident Indians (of all religious origins) must create a strong public opinion against the terrorists (after evidence is shared by the police) in their adopted countries, and United Nations. Peaceful demonstrations should be held around the world. If peaceful means fail, then India should take whatever steps are necessary to prevent the recurrence of such terrorist attacks. The spineless response to previous terrorists attacks (like the release of terrorist leaders in response to the IA hijacking) should be avoided at all costs. The response should be tough, determined and aimed well.
Are Indian lives not as important?
It was entirely disappointing to note the lack of adequate acknowledgement of this event in the western media and communities, especially as we compare it to other less deadly or ferocious events in the western world. What if these two terrorsits had done the same thing in a church in Boston or London? Would the reaction be as muted? Would they preach restraint? Again, the NRI's should take the lead and influence the media for more balanced reporting- especially since the NRI segment of the population is an important target for the advertisers!
Bandh- a bad response!
Many political parties immediately called for a state-wide or nation-wide 'bandh' in response to the attacks. How quickly the nation lost over Rs. 1,500 crores in lost productivity? This is usually a very misconcieved response to such events. The terrorists quickly rejoiced. Not only they killed and injured scores of innocents, but also caused the nation a huge loss!
We have succeeded in almost eliminating the terrorism in Punjab, and we will also succeed in this new round of terrorism. Let us continue to pray for peace, but be equally strong in our determination to fight 'evil' forces that are attacking our nation!
