The Horrors at the Guwahati LGBI Airport!

Aberrations do occur, in any field of activity or operation or management, the airport operations mid-air or at ground level being no exceptions. But unfortunately, such aberrations seem to be the rule at the Guwahati LGBI Airport, even after a complete revamp of the busiest airport of North East India that was done by one of the top-rated industrialists of the    country. As fairly regular passengers over the years in the domestic air routes to Guwahati we’d experienced or had witnessed such aberrations, the horrors, regularly too at this airport, occurring mostly at the Security zone. No doubt, security is the topmost priority in our insurgency-infested country; but there are justifiable ways of doing it and not going berserk and nearly attacking/harassing/shaming normal passengers. The security forces should possess some level of intelligence to be able to detect suspicious passengers instead of intimidating every Tom, Dick and Harry. There have been some news reports about such horrors happening to legitimately normal passengers having full records at the hands of the governments; but many stories never come out as most people prefer not to speak about their shame in public. Such horrors remind us of the ‘security tortures’ in the US airports following the 9/11 terrorist strikes, although our country hasn’t been experiencing terror activities in recent years. So, is this because of the hate-laden country where anyone of any background at any public arena could suddenly burst out with bizarre acts of violence?

The Security zone of the airport looks just fine with a full-women team managing and screening women passengers. But unfortunately, despite being of the same ilk as their passengers they fail abysmally to understand the kind of the basic necessities they all carry while traveling—like the minimal cosmetics, mobiles and accessories, vanity bags and purses and so on which are items permitted by the airlines. The all-women young team doesn’t seem to understand, anyway. We came to know the story of an elderly woman who was subjected to mental and physical torture in the name of ‘Security’.

First, she was nearly stripped inside the ‘examination’ cabin as one of the bright Security ladies ran her hands all over her body. At the lower belly of the 60+ woman she felt a lump which could’ve have been any harmless fat accumulation or a harmless hernia or rather tragically some malignant tumor that the woman herself was not aware. However, the smart young girl in dazzling uniform thought the lump could conceal some metallic device or even a bomb! Her loyalty to the highest possible standards of safety made her nearly strip the woman. She relented only when the woman burst into tears as her feeble protests had no impact on the ‘examiner’ and she, fortunately, didn’t turn into an ‘executioner’ conducting a possible surgery on the spot.  

Second, after being let out of the torture chamber the elderly woman discovered that her vanity bag was kept aside as obviously found suspicious by the diligent members of the team. As she approached another bright member of the team picked up the bag and turned it upside down pouring all the apparently mundane items on the desk. As the elderly woman stood aghast one more team-lady joined the other in rummaging through the items: they found the innocuous pin that is used to push out the simcard-tray of the mobile very suspicious, perhaps thinking that the pin could trigger some bomb somewhere; they took extraordinary interest in the cosmetic items; they then discovered a normal nail-cutter and threw it unceremoniously into their own dustbin; they also found a tiny purse containing notes and coins and dexterously counted out all of it, for reasons they only knew; they also found another tiny plastic cover having credit/debit cards and checked each one meticulously; and they objected to everything they found.

They demanded the elderly woman show her ID cards to which the exasperated woman strongly objected. Those cards were already checked and why at all she should show those here, she asked. What was her crime, she wanted to know. By then the elderly woman’s husband, on the wrong side of sixty, distraught by the unusual delay joined her and warned her that they could miss the boarding. As he began to understand the goings-on he started shouting in desperation asking were there instructions to harass passengers selectively and if they thought that all ID cards could be easily forged. One of the ‘examiners’ then proceeded to her table and started jotting down notes as if she made her observations to be forwarded to her high command. And finally, they allowed the elderly lady to proceed. One of them even offered to give back the nail-cutter which the woman refused stoutly asking them to use it. The woman needed another ten minutes to put all the scattered items back into her bag.

And that was not the end. Air India made it still worse for the senior citizen duo. The couple hurried to the boarding counter and found a long queue.  The display showed that the flight was on time. So, they joined the queue and waited and waited and waited. More than half an hour elapsed with the Airline still not announcing a delay, sticking to the same scheduled time and expected time of departure. Already tired from their previous torture the elderly couple’s knees began aching. There were only limited chairs available most of which were occupied by young guys who looked very energetic, but seemingly in extreme need of rest and care themselves. It was a very hot day and the central AC was either not functioning or kept at very low levels. Perhaps one more noble initiative for the objective of conservation of energy! However, it only added to the sorry plight of the hapless couple. The old couple still couldn’t afford to leave the queue in search of some vacant chairs, for the Airline already sounded the warning that boarding counter would close 25 minutes before departure.

Finally, the display sign claimed ‘Boarding Gate Open’. Even after that, the gate remained closed for another ten minutes with the smart executives hopping in and out of the boarding counter as if they were the busiest souls in the world. It turned out to be a delay of nearly an hour, but still not announced or acknowledged or apologized for. The couple only got a text message from the Airline regretting a change of the boarding gate when there was none.

We don’t know how many more stories of such horrors are waiting to be told. In the name of what that we’re made to suffer like this? Security and safety of the nation? Well, first learn treating the rightful citizens as rightful citizens and then talk of their safety. More importantly, learn respecting the senior citizens most of whom are definitely not terrorists. All of the good citizens deserve better than this.

India: Something’s Not Right!

When you log in to your Gmail account and it is not working properly then Google promptly tells you ‘Something’s not right’! It keeps on popping up till order is restored. I think Google should consider adding this tag to ‘India’ whenever any reference is made to this country! However ruefully, you must admit such a necessity particularly after what you’ve witnessed recently over the most successful Surgical Strikes executed by India on Pakistan.  

I thought at least the anti-terror sentiment was universal, but not in this country. For some people of this country terrorists are also human beings and therefore their ‘human rights’ are of paramount importance. These same people don’t utter a word about ‘human rights’ when soldiers and cops are slaughtered brutally, but in case of all kinds of criminals they become extremely vocal. They consider doing or saying anything under the sun as their ‘democratic right’. There have been so many instances in recent times in India when such people openly supported terrorists just by way of trying to assert their democratic right. Great thing about India is that such condemnable acts are being tolerated. And, these are the people who condemn our society or country as intolerant. This peace-loving land called India tries to keep on the peace & dialogue track despite all odds and even at the cost of being labelled as ‘soft’, particularly in view of ceaseless ceasefire violations and killings of Indian soldiers by Pakistan. When evidently Pakistan sponsored terrorists killed 19 soldiers at Uri in Jammu and Kashmir, India said enough was enough and acted tough which was completely unexpected for our neighbouring country.

Like they did earlier in Myanmar, India, with the Indian Army, executed the tremendously effective Surgical Strikes in Pakistan occupied Kashmir on the wee hours of 29^th September, 2016, eliminating around 40 terrorists preparing to infiltrate into India along with a few Pak army personnel. The sheer unexpectedness of the act almost paralyzed Pakistan, unable even to give a reaction initially. However, as is usual, they got into their time-tested ‘denial mode’ and dismissed it as just another skirmish, a violation by India this time, across the Line of Control. It was not at all difficult to guess the turmoil in their mind—how could India do it! And, how desperate they possibly were to get the video of the Indian strategic strike!

And then, our terror-friendly great ‘democratic’ leaders got into the act of helping out Pakistan. They asked the Indian Government to prove the Surgical Strike! They asked the Government to make the Surgical Strike video public! Any layman would know that such videos should never get released in public obviously for strategic internal security and defence reasons. One political leader went to the extent of calling it a fake! Who are they actually—terrorists in disguise or plain simple traitors or political strategists of the lowest order?  What right they have to discredit the sentinels on our border and the brave soldiers who fight relentlessly, defying increment weather, only to protect our country and us? What India failed to do over the decades this government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi finally achieved it through strategically fool-proof planning with the Army, and therefore, along with the brave soldiers the ruling government has to get some of the credit. Are these political leaders, just because they are in opposition, so naive as not to understand this simple fact? They should also have the knowledge of distinguishing a weak government from a strong government.

Positively speaking, even after this ridiculous aftermath of the Surgical Strike the Indian Government is going strongly ahead to isolate Pakistan and neutralising their terrorists constantly trying to infiltrate and do brutal attacks on Indian soil. Yes, if something’s not right then it should be set ‘right’ pretty soon. The menace of terror emanating mostly from Pakistan should be eradicated completely, only then the common people of both India and Pakistan will feel safe. More surgical strikes should be planned and executed till the last terrorist is neutralised. Further, when something’s not right between two countries nobody should ever expect normal things to go on as if nothing’s the matter. Terror must be rooted out, come what may, come what some people would say. A strong government can always accomplish that. Jai Hind! 

Narendra Modi Vs Nawaz Sharif: New Hope On The India-Pakistan Horizon?

Prime Minster Narendra Modi is never predictable and that is a huge positive quality in his leadership. Today, the 25th of December, 2015, he made media persons go tizzy and hyperactive all on a sudden. On 23rd December PM Modi left for a two-day visit to Russia and Afghanistan. Today he was to return home and pay a visit to former Prime Minister and legendary BJP leader Atal  Bihari Bajpayee on the latter's 91st birthday observed as Good Governance in the evening. 

However, while in Afghanistan PM Modi tweeted that he would go to Lahore to meet and wish happy birthday to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on the latter's invitation. Action followed quickly. The Indian Prime Minister arrived in Lahore to be greeted by Sharif at the airport. Both the leaders exchanged warm greetings and later proceeded to one to one talks. 

A lot of positive developments have been happening of late between the two neighboring countries which rather defied protocol and age-old practices relating to war of words, ceasefire violations and a constant sense of betrayal. As far as the people of the countries are concerned this rejuvenated and inventive bilateral diplomacy is generating lot of hope for the most sought-after understanding and achieving the mirage of a lasting friendship. Whatever the opposition, particularly the Congress says, people of both countries must welcome such positive initiatives. Let us hope for the best. Let best sense prevail in both countries.   

India Vs Pakistan: PMs To Talk, Terrorists Strike Double Blow!

As the Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh was en route to the USA to participate in the United Nations General Session scheduled to hold talks with the Pakistan counterpart Nawaz Sharif on the sidelines, terrorists belonging to Pakistan groups struck twice in the morning hours today. Three terrorists in Pakistan Army uniform entered Indian territory and first attacked a police station at Kathua in the Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir and then an Indian Army camp. Ten people including an Indian Army Lt. Col and four policemen were martyred. Gun battle raged on for most part of the day in the jungles and the Indian Army issued a release announcing the end of the operation and confirming that all three terrorists had been killed.

The Indian Prime Minister condemned the attack saying that such dastardly attacks were aimed sabotaging the peace process. He, however, maintained his determination to push forward the dialogue by meeting Nawaz Sharif on Sunday. The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister also said that the terror attack was launched to derail the Indo-Pak dialogue. Meanwhile, it has been all slam and bang all over India with the opposition parties, mainly the BJP, slamming the Government for its weak kneed response to terror and for going ahead with PM level talks. Jingoistic voices have also been heard across the country including media newscasts and discussions.

Questions are many. While it can be argued that it is very necessary to carry on with the dialogue on a bilateral level for a lasting peace between the two neighbors the question remains as to peace at what cost. And, peace talks with which Pakistan—the Pakistan held hostage by the anti-Indian forces or the Pakistan with the normal people who want peach like the normal Indians? The Government of Pakistan represents which one? As per all facts and figures available always at India’s cost the terrorists and the Taliban dictate the government there to tread continually on the anti-India route. When would the democratic Pakistan show courage enough to get bold and take on the terror? When would the Pakistan Army get itself disengaged from the militants? When would the Pak process of eternal denial end ushering in peace rationalism? When would Pakistan break out of the stigma of a rogue nation? For India now—how to achieve peace with Pakistan and at what cost? At the moment it seems futile to chase a mirage called peace.

Global Terror: The Frightening Reality!

Till that unbelievable 9/11 attack terror did not seem to be a global phenomenon. But since then terror became an industry with the formation of many groups having their bases in countries like India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Internal factors of these countries made themselves prime targets of the attacks. India has been bearing the brunt of it in a major way since 1993 with many of its cities continuing to be soft targets. The US interests—financial, military or strategic—in these countries and the growing conflicts thereof finally brought terror to the US in a most inhuman way in terms of the 9/11 attack in 2001. Al-Qaeda emerged as the global force of terrorism. However, even then it could be said that terror did not assume a global role thanks to efforts on counter-terrorism by USA and to some extent India. After more than a decade terror returned to America in April, 2013 in terms of the Boston Attack and last Monday’s (September 16) attack on the US Naval Base where shooter (s) killed 12 people is still shrouded in mystery regarding any possible angle to terrorism. Pakistan, Iraq and Afghanistan continued to bleed all the while and India got hit again after a gap of 2/3 years. The scenario is fast changing and the frightening reality of a Global Jihadism is just about unfolding.

Now, Kenya, Pakistan and Iraq in the space of just one day—all mindless, barbaric and demonic attacks. On Saturday a series of bomb blasts killed at least 96 innocents. Night the same day terrorists mounted a cowardly on a crowded up-market mall in Nairobi. Around 10/15 gunmen mowed down the innocents with gunfire and even grenades that continued to Sunday today. At least 60 people including 2 Indians were killed and about 200 injured. The attack bearing a sinister similarity to 26/11 Mumbai terror attack is still not over as several terrorists are still suspected to be inside the mall holding hostages. Shebab, a terrorist group belonging to Al-Qaeda claimed responsibility for the attack citing revenge for Kenya’s military action in Somalia. And on Sunday today, two suicide bombers blew themselves up in front of a historic church in Pakistan killing more than 60 (rose to 78 later) innocents. This is seen as the biggest terror attack on Christian minority in Pakistan. What follows next and in which town or cities of which country it is hazardous even to guess. 

High time India evolve an global counter-terrorism policy in close association and cooperation of other countries like America. For India stakes are not only at home, but considering large chunks of Indian population in many other countries India must take the responsibility of protecting its citizens. The US is becoming increasingly unwilling to take up counter-terrorism operations single-handedly and therefore a global effort is need of the hour. Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh while reacting to a day of unprecedented terror violence emphasized just this fact. For this India need strong and committed leaders. High time political leaders come out of politics in national interest. It hardly helps matters that on Friday the 20^thSeptember a terror suspect of the Indian Mujaheddin just ran away from a court in Mumbai and Mumbai police did not have a clue for two hours. An intensive manhunt is still on to track the terrorist. Get ready now for any eventuality anywhere in the world. Time is running out. 

Terror Targets Buddhist Shrine In India!

Serial bomb blasts shattered the serene atmosphere of the Mahabodhi shrine in Bodh Gaya in the north Indian state of Bihar in the early hours today. In all there were nine blasts inside and outside of the holiest of holy Buddhist pilgrimage site that left two monks injured. Fortunately all the blasts were low intensity and could not damage the main temple. Bodh Gaya is the historic place where Lord Buddha got his enlightenment and pilgrims from across the globe visit the Mahabodhi shrine here regularly. The blasts were carried out in a well coordinated manner within half an hour between 5.50 and 6am. The Indian Home ministry had confirmed the strike as a terrorist attack, though no terrorist group has claimed responsibility so far. In the background of the large-scale ethnic classes between Rohingya Muslims and the Buddhists in Myanmarthe Government of India has taken the attack in all seriousness and has issued advisory to all Indian states to ensure security for all Buddhist shrines and Tibetan settlements. This could very well be the first instance of issuance of advisory for possible violence in view of the Myanmar clashes.

The President, the Vice President and the Prime Minister of India have condemned this cowardly attack on a religious place vouching for a policy of zero tolerance against terrorism. But the ugly head of terror keeps on appearing again and again concentrating nowadays on soft targets while trying to demonstrate the fact that it can choose and strike place anywhere at its will. Recently it had returned to America too and the targets in Indiaseem to be growing by the day.

Thee are reports of intelligence alerts issued by the central agencies to Bihar government over a period of at least six months and apparently these were either ignored or not taken seriously. These lapses have drawn public attention and a national debate has already begun. The opposition parties got another opportunity to indulge in politics of terror and attack the Government. Interestingly, the national opposition BJP blamed the Bihar government squarely for the intelligence lapse forgetting conveniently that they were also part of the government till last month when the split between BJP and JD-U happened following the Modi factor. Let us propagate zero tolerance for politics too! 

Naxals Attack Congress Convoy, Kill 28!

The dreaded Naxals, Maoist extremists, ambushed a Congress convoy last evening in a dense forest area near Bastar in Chhattisgarh state of India and killed 28 including several prominent local Congress leaders. More than 30 were injured including the former Congress Union Minister VC Shukla who is in a critical condition. Around 250 Naxals ambushed a Congress convoy of nearly forty cars that was returning after a rally and attacked them with landmine blasts and rain of bullets. The security in charge of the convoy ran of ammunition while countering the attack. Then the ruthless Maoists surrounded them, took away their mobiles and shot many of them in cold blood. This is the worst Naxal attack of all time in Maoist-infested Chhattisgarh, and follows the recent attack on a Doordarshan transmission center early this month that killed three security personnel. The Naxalism has also been a huge challenge in Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra bordering Chhattisgarh in the east with frequent encounters between Naxals and security forces.

The Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi visited Chhattisgarh today and described this as a heinous attack on democracy. They also appealed to all political parties to sink their differences on this matter of  grave concern and put up a united front to tackle the issue. Many leaders of the national opposition BJP condemned the attack and the Chief Minister of the BJP ruled Chhattisgarh assured of all possible steps.

Of late the Naxals have been gradually becoming indistinguishable from the terrorists and as the Prime Minister said today this is posing the biggest challenge to the internal security of the country. Although the Naxals are left-oriented and extremely dissatisfied at the present system, they are still citizens of India which makes the policy to deal with them vexed and complicated. Since some terrorist groups inside the country had been invited for talks with the Government we can suggest the same for the Naxals, trying to convince them and bring them to the negotiation table. Repressive violent measures are likely to incite more violence. We condemn this heinous attack against humanity with all our heart and pray for prevention of such attacks in future.

Terror Returns To America, Then Revisits India!

On Monday, April 15, 2013, it was Boston when terror returned to America after nearly 12 years. Two bomb blasts tore up a colorful and spirited Marathon. Three innocents were killed and scores injured, maimed and incapacitated for life. It could be matter of great concern considering the frightening perspective. 

On March 13, 2013, Terror returned to Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir in India after a gap of three years. The terror-ravaged northern state has been rudely reminded of the ugly evil. 

And today, a high intensity blast rocked Bangalore in Southern India. More than 15 innocents including several policemen were injured and fortunately no one got killed. 

The terror industry seems to be gearing up for another offensive against humanity. A selflessly united global initiative must happen now to stop terror on its track. 

For India the the situation is more terrifying with intelligence reports indicating possibility of more terror strikes. The apparent political  instability in the country with the ruling coalition and the opposition alliance both hopelessly divided, and the opportunist fringe groups regrouping for the General Elections-2014. 'Divide and Misrule' seems to be the slogan of all the political parties so as to fall in step with the vested interests for lobbying, corruption  and laundering. Divided and opportunistic politicking is the natural ally of terrorism. 

Beware of the Terror! Counter it before it is too late. 

Hyderabad Twin Blasts: The Terror Comes Back!

Just when the politics of terror seemed to have subsided allowing the Budget Session of the Indian Parliament that started on February 21 2012 with the President of India addressing the joint session maybe to work a little better than usual,  the terror struck back in full ferocity, venom and revenge. Two massive blasts ripped apart a prime market locality of Hyderabad, a major city of Southern India, around 7 pm yesterday. The victims caught unawares could hardly recover from shock and trauma of the first blast when another high-intensity bomb went off just 100 meters away. Fortunately a third bomb discovered in the same locality was defused in time. In a kind of a vicious circle of terror the city of Hyderabad got hit in 2002, 2007 and now 2013.

The real face of the terror got exposed one more time. It did not discriminate while ripping apart the innocent victims—killing 14 and maiming over 120 so far. The Home Minister of India, Sushil Kumar Shinde, whose comment was utilized by various forces to communalize terror recently got into the action mode immediately briefing media and visiting the affected area this morning. The Prime Minister condemned the cowardly act and announced compensation packages for the dead and injured.

It was easy for the media and all opposition political parties to blame the government because there were intelligence inputs about possible strikes, particularly after two key terrorists had been hanged over the last three months. But what government as there were many governments in the union of India hopelessly divided on jurisdiction of power and political affiliations? Who knows at what level of ‘divisions’ the alerts were either ignored or not acted upon properly? Yes, Indians are soft targets for terror attacks over the decades, but this is basically due more to a divided India rather than to intelligence failures or lack of competent action. India have been divided always on vote bank lines; on religion or ethnic or culture or language or caste links; on rich-poor discrimination; on bureaucratic class hierarchy; on military or police rank/position systems; on man-woman matters and on what not.

On the second day of the Budget Session today, all the members of the Indian Parliament stood up to observe two-minute silence in memory of the Hyderabad Bomb Blast victims and they looked to be really united. But, the moment the two minutes ended the opposition members raised a din demanding answers for the tragedy leading to an adjournment of both the houses despite the immensity of the tragedy and despite the fact that the Home Minister was scheduled to make a statement on the floor at 2 pm today.

It was in July 2011 when the terror last struck Mumbai and it was September the same year when it struck the national capital Delhi. Routine measures like declaring High Alerts do follow after every attack. But basically a divided India is making it easy for the terror to come back again and again, and strike at will.

Get united completely and cohesively, and eliminate terror. Stay divided, and get destroyed by terror. The choice is ours.

Terror Hits National Capital Now!

This morning around 10am a high intensity bomb blast  rocked High Court premises in New Delhi. The blast took place at the peak hours when lawyers and clients throng the gates. So far nine deaths have been confirmed with more than fifty injured. Some sources indicate more than 10 dead and around 45 grievously injured. Casualties are feared to go up.

After Mumbai serial blasts of July 13, 2011 terrorists now have targeted the national capital. As usual there was no intelligence inputs which looks ominous. Besides, there had been another blast, though minor, at the same place in Delhi on May 25, 2011. As if first they experimented the possibility and today carried out the actual plan. Much more experiments and plans could be in the terror pipelines. Our intelligence network must gear up for the challenge. This is not undermine the tremendous progress our intelligence has made to bust terror modules all over India since 2008. Never give the upper hand to the cowards excelling always in killing innocent defenseless people. 

We condemn the terrorist attack, we condemn terror. We must make those cowards to pay the price for their crimes against humanity. Pray for a terror free India.

Two Days Of Violence!

Yesterday, suicide blast at the Indian Embassy, Kabul. More than 17 killed. Same day, Gadchiroli in Maharashtra--the border triangle of three states, Chatisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, 17 cops mercilessly shot down by Naxals, Maoist extremists. This triangle of dense forests is the epicenter of Naxalite activities. While the Taliban claimed responsibility for the Kabul blast, the Naxals are fast becoming the Taliban of India. Lurking dangers.

Again today, bomb blast in Peshawar in Pakistan where more than 40 are killed. Reports of a blast in Iraq too.

Who has achieved what out of this process of mindless violence? President Barack Obama getting the Nobel for Peace comes as the positive. This honor could very well be a booster for better things to come in near future.