A Hazard called - TERRORISM

We are living in a new world. We are in a world in which the possibility of terrorism, married up with technology, could make us very very sorry that we did’nt act.

Condoleezza Rice

India in the last two decades has witnessed the hazard called terrorism at its peak point, whether we consider the serial bomb blasts in Mumbai, Jaipur, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Varanasi, Kanpur, attack on Indian parliament and finally the worst attack on Indian soil in which hostages were held in famous hotels and a Jewish outreach center in Mumbai. Over the past 20 years, terrorists have committed extremely violent acts for various political or religious reasons.

It is not only India dealing with the menace. The largest act of international terrorism occurred on September 11, 2001 in a set of coordinated attacks on the United States of America where terrorists hijacked the civilian airlines and used them to attack the World Trade Centre towers in New York and the Pentagon in Washington D.C. However this is not the only issue to be pondered over. The other face of the issue is the use of technology. As confessed by the alone surviving terrorist of 26/11 Mumbai attacks Amir Ajmal Kasab, the terrorist organizations have been using technology in its latest form to aid their cause. The web and the gadgets like satellite telephones are used extensively in terrorist activities these days. The aggressive use of modern technology for information management, communication and intelligence has increased the efficiency of terrorist activities. Weapons technology has become more increasingly available and the purchasing power of terrorists is on continuous hike. Quite simply, they are exploiting modern tools to perform terrorist actions. In its true sense terrorists are now trying to supersede even the most developed nations in terms of technology. But what is the government doing to curb down these attempts? And if at all they are doing something, how far they have been successful in their endeavors and efforts? Not much has been achieved when it comes to taking concrete and firm actions to tackle terrorism. Only drafting of plans doesn’t seem to work out in this case. A practical implementation to it needs to be done.

The Mumbai terror attacks shaked up the whole government and as a result the government passed the bill for setting up of National Investigate Agency (NIA). But what next? Two long years of patience required just to prove whether Kasab was an accused or not. This raises a very vital question and also a very valid one – Is our government capable enough to deal with such serious issues concerning the nation. Isn’t it a matter of great shame for us that it takes decades to prove someone accused. Even if it gets proved the actions to be taken are awaiting. Why is the government not taking any actions against them in India. The answers to these questions lies only with the govt. The need of the hour however is that the nations should join hands and buck up against terror. Laws are required but hasty laws are even more damaging. Agencies and authorities need to put their heads together and get cracking.

Thank You.

Shantanu Mishra

B.A in Media Studies 2^nd year

University of Allahabad