In at one ear, out at another. this seems to be Indian Government's policy with regard to addressing terrorism. After all, it has been more than a year since the formidable attacks in Mumbai rocked the nation. The shrill of slain men and woman in the Nariman House, Taj hotel and CST still make remnant reflexes in our senses. But what has happened since the D-day? Even after the mourning and half mast flags which lasted for a fortnight, or the candles that lit Mumbai's busy nightlife or even the Studio talk shows by electronic media?
Just at the expense of an extradition treaty, a 21 year old lad (I reckon, we have finalised on his age after a horrendous hullaballo that he was minor), Ajmal Ahmed Kasab awaits his trial and sentence in a Mumbai jail, when the neighbour across deems him an absconding criminal. Doesn't it gives goosebumps when the reality outweighs the rhetoric? Adding insult to the injury, Shiv sainiks and Maratha warriors launch "rage attacks" on the attorney who hails for the convict, thus making more impediments for a faster trial in India. National security and patriotism wins here?, Prerogative, No!!!
Did the media vanish into thin air for the next one year after the event? The TV anchors and journalists who bloviated on the sad plight of the slain men and women were in their pregnant silence mode till the eve of the first anniversary of the "Big Event" . Cutting across bias lines, the total fraternity were quick to step uto the plate to reap pecuniary benefits by reliving the past events during prime time shows. Doesn't it really question the integrity, commitment and obligation of media in acting towards morale, germane causes.
Remember the promises that were made after the fiasco? Excellent security measures in Railway stations, spycams in crowded areas and squares, new machinary for cops, better vehichles and facilities for security agencies, ID cards for Fisherfolk, the list is on and on!! But, as expected, it still remains quixotic reveries as with our government!! Two months after the event, I had a chance to visit Mumbai's CST station which crawled into attention with the rapid killings and Sebastian D'Souza's snaps of Kasab's demoniac victory march!! Guess what? I was not told by the cops to pass through the metal detectors present. They were busy relishing on their evening tea in the midst of a freewheeling chat about the recent Bolllywood fick!! Would stricter weapons or facilities make a better force if the frivolous attitudes of our Law enforces stayput?
Personally speaking , the sole loser in the endgame remains Shivraj Patil. The poor chap was the scapegoat for Manmohan Singh and his government. Hadn't Patil been enforced a resignation, the opposition would have clamoured for Manmohan's head. The prudent and proactive Congress brains (Of course there are still good ones among the harebrained ones in the party) saved him and let the storm blow over.
But a million dollar question still remains. When will Indian governments study the difference between action and reaction, prudence and hindsight, introspection and retrospection? Well, no idea!
But one thing is for sure.
They would continue to play Russian Roulette with the security and national integrity!!!!!!