Sunday, November 30, 2008

A good first step

Friends,
As we had hoped in our last posting, India's Home Minister, Shivraj Patil has resigned. That is a welcome first step and its symbolism will show some level of purpose from the government, which is under serious attack from the public. I am unaware of Mr. Chidambaram's expertise in matters of internal security who has been named as Mr. Patil's replacement. Mr.Chidambram has been India's very visible finance minister for the last four plus years. But as we said this step was required that at least the need for a rethink has been recognized.

Peace.
Team Young India, Inc.

Friday, November 28, 2008

Quick but important

Friends,

There are no quick solutions to this vexed problem of terrorism but it is clear that a rethink is needed at the highest level of government in India about how to respond to this menace. The performance of India's Home Minister, Shivraj Patil, responsible for India's internal security, has been beyond sub-par. We don't see any rationale for Mr. Patil to continue in this position after India's being repeatedly hit by terrorists from within and outside. He has been woefully slow in responding to the unrest in the North East and the recent disturbances in Kashmir just underscore a cluelessness of sorts. The Congress does have many other capable people to initiate the rethink.

At a time when the Indian nation is demanding action a renewed effort to combat terror a new leadership at the Home Ministry will satiate some of this urgent desire. We hope that Mr. Patil recognizes his failures and tenders his resignation while paving the way for a rededication to the most fundmental task of any government - its people's safety.

Peace.

Team Young India, Inc.

Outrageous all-around

It is just awful and rare that we have two posts for the same tragic event, which unbelievably is still ongoing. Two things have emerged - a) Pakistan as a probable base for this latest expression of inhumanity, and b) the disgusting level to which the Sangh - BJP, RSS, VHP et al would go to extract political mileage from any tragedy.

First, Pakistan. At this point it is not enough for the government of Pakistan to say that there are extreme elements in every society. For far too long these elements have either enjoyed official indifference or intelligence support. Ambivalence towards entities that espouse violence must absolutely and completely end immediately in Pakistan at all levels of government and that does not exclude the army and the intelligence services. India should take Pakistan upon its offer for help but must unequivocally convey that the burden is now on Pakistan's officialdom. We do believe that terrorism is a menace for both countries. But the time to merely utter those words seems to be over. It is time to act.

Now, on to the BJP et al. Gujarat Chief Minister and prominent BJP national "leader", Narendra Modi, the overseer of the massacres in Gujarat 2002, shamelessly descended upon the scene of the Oberoi Hotel while rescue operations were underway! He could not desist from holding a press conference criticizing the Prime Minister and touting his measures to combat terrorism. This distasteful self-aggrandazing and disingenous expression of sympathy must be evidence enough of the moral bankuruptcy of the clan of politicians that have hijacked the sacred Hindu color saffron.

There are few words to characterize the bravery of India's armed forces and special security forces. Ordinary policemen and citizens have acted heroically. Despite their greatest efforts innoecent lives have been snatched. But this was not due to lack of trying. We salute the brave souls you have laid their lives. Just recently regional extremists, followers of Shiv Sena (another BJP affiliate), had launched an effort against non-Mumbai Indians. Obviously those cowards were nowhere to be found when the nation needed them.

This is a time that all Indians need to stand united against forces that want to break us from within and without. India cannot and will not bend but fight back with greater resolve to maintain its pluralism and promise to deliver freedom and opportunity to its people.


Peace.
Team Young India, Inc.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Cowards in Mumbai

It is difficult for us to hide our sheer outrage at this hideous episode of brutality. Law enforcement in Mumbai has a very difficult challenge at hand. Not only do they need to track down these cowards who have perpetrated this tragedy but also ensure that the city's peace is maintained. Mumbai has shown great resilience in the past after such divisive and senseless violence and we hope that it stays true to its great character.

At this point all we can do is offer our support and prayer to those victims who have been snatched away from their families and all of us. They absolutely deserve justice and must get it. In the coming days we will post our strategic recommendations to decisively address this growing menace.

Peace.

Team Young India, Inc.