Bullet Proof Jacket for India, not Blame Games – An Immediate Need

Article contributed by the AAMJUNTA towards Progressive thinking

“Khud hi ko kar buland itna, ke har taqdir se pehle khuda khud bande se puchhe, bata teri raza kya hai”

This is the shayari that rings in my ears as India fights its war against terror and militancy. This war has been happening from day one, from the day of Independence, 15th Aug 1947 to till date, … and every time India gets wounded, wounded badly.

For every act of terrorism or militancy in any part of India, the political forces here raise their finger towards our immediate neighbour, be it Pakistan or Bangladesh, without even realizing what they are talking about and without even looking into their own mistakes, loopholes. Yes, our neighbour has been (partly) responsible, directly or indirectly, in all kinds of disturbances we have in India. But, that hatred was the theme of the creation of that country and its survival is based on anti-India politics. No one will have any second opinion on that, at-least in India. Their political parties and the army survives on this single theme, on anti-India policies. But, what about India? It was not formed with the philosophy of blaming others. But, what are we doing? Why can’t we stop blaming others? Why can’t we make India strong? What stops us from strengthening ourselves? No, we are not doing this. Our political forces do not like to do that. Because, they want to use this in vote business, use terrorism and militancy as an election agenda. They know they can get votes on the name of (anti)terrorism. And we the people… we are in their trap.

India has fought three major wars against its neighbour and many wars against terror (within and out), and who knows how many more are left to be fought? The division of greater India and the creation of India and Pakistan was the policy of Britain – to divide and rule. That had happened 60 years ago, and should be a close chapter now. The formation of two nations was wrong or right is not a debate any more. It is a fact and we have to accept it. Not only accept this, we have to live with it. India cannot change Pakistan, nor Pakistan can change India. Both countries will exist. Both have to learn the art of coexistence, if possible, or complete non-interference in each others’ internal affairs. Let’s either be completely pals or maintain a peaceful distance from each other. The on and off bilateral relationship will lead both countries nowhere. Either we have to commit to it or not commit. We have to make that clear. But, that hardly happens.

So, where is the solution? What can be done? As Indians, let us find common grounds and defend ourselves, rather than harp on the differences. Why not change this kind of attitude and stop blaming others. A strong federal force, a strong army supported by dedicated and vigilant intelligence may be some answer to it. The common man can very well be a part of the intelligence. Intellectual mass should educate and train the common man towards the dangers and threat that terrorism is posing for democracies. Give some value to the security establishment, be that police force or armed force. What stops us from from giving value to them? The mind set of 18th century has to be changed, if we want good and better people in our army or police force. Give better facilities and autonomy, not politically controlled autonomy (as seen now).

Let’s fight with terror, and  militancy. Let’s make our political force, our intellectuals and the aamjunta more accountable. Let’s create a bullet proof jacket made of intellectuals, security force, intelligence, political establishment and the aamjunta; a bullet proof jacket for our India, our mother land, our own country and fight back with force. And remember – no blame game policy, rather self defence. The sooner it is, the better it is.