July 26, 2004
 

Although there're now indications that the terrorists have extended the deadline again, the performance by the Indian government in this issue leaves a lot to be desired. Given that the crisis actually broke on the 21^st, 5 days ago, it wasnt until Friday, I think, that Parliament bothered to discuss the issue. They were more concerned with Shibu Soren's disappearance. Again, a classical case of how normal people's lives dont matter to those who govern us. How is it that politicians' children never get caught up at school fires or electrocuted by loose hanging live wires? If at all minister's relatives get kidnapped or taken hostage, there're negotiations to set free terrorists. The lives of the high and mighty are always more important than the other lowest forms of pond life who exist at the bottom of the hierarchy, i.e. people like you and me. The reaction of the political class to this hostage crisis, where they were so self absorbed in the absence of one of their own kind, definitely confirms that they just don't care. To top it all, you have the Minister of State for External Affairs invoking religion to give direction to the terrorists.

Sorry old chap, religion no cut muster with anyone! These are terrorists, not militants. A terrorist is one who indulges in the unlawful use or threatened use of force or violence by a person or an organized group against people or property with the intention of intimidating or coercing societies or governments, often for ideological or political reasons. A militant, on the other hand, is one who has a combative character; aggressive, especially in the service of a cause.

You tell us whether these are terrorists or militants. Why did the minister have to call these terrorists "patriotic Iraqis"? Why did he not mention the word "terrorist" or "terrorism" anywhere in his speech? Why should Indians be stopped from working in Iraq just because the government is too weak to ensure that demands of terrorists will never be met? How do we know, for example, that there is no ransom (of any kind) being paid to the terrorists?

Rambled @ 5:46 PM

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