The way forward...

9 terrorists killed, 1 captured, hundreds of innocent people killed, thousands scarred for life, millions of rupees burnt up. This is pretty much how the Mumbai carnage can be summed up.

However, there is more to it than meets the eye. While the attack itself was absolutely horrifying, the one good thing that came out of it was that it has galvanised the nation like never before. People from all walks of life are speaking in one voice today. And this is not something that happens easily in a country of a billion people.

Everywhere people are out on the streets – some to express solidarity to Mumbai and its residents, some to celebrate our brave jawans and commandos, some to express anger against the establishment, and some to make their voices and views heard. All the voices may be speaking in different languages, but they speak the same thing - “Enough is enough!”

I was especially pleased with the stand that all the Muslim clerics took in denouncing the act and even disallowing the burial of the terrorists on Indian soil. People by and large are showing maturity to separate religion from terrorism. It is very easy in such difficult times to point fingers at someone or some section of society. Thankfully, this has not happened this time around.

Unfortunately, some people are not showing much restraint when it comes to Pakistan. There are slogans saying “Bomb Pakistan back to the Stone Age”. While this may sound right considering some (or most) of Pakistan’s actions, it is not entirely feasible nor is it the right thing to do. Bombing Pakistan would be an act of terror, just like Mumbai. Killing millions of innocent Pakistanis would be just as barbaric and unpardonable.

What the Indian government, and all the countries involved in the war against terror, including Pakistan, should do is go after the source of the problem. Collect unquestionable and irrefutable proof against the terrorist groups, identify their hideouts and bomb them into extinction. Set such an example for other terrorists that they would shudder to even pick up a gun.

I have one thing to say to all these extremists who fight in the name of Allah. Atleast have the courage to say that you are fighting out of your own selfish interests and not for Allah. No religion and no holy book says that killing innocent people (or anybody) will get you to jannat or heaven. It will get you to hell. Two wrongs do not make a right. Killing a person to avenge another’s death does not bring him back. It only spreads hatred.

An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.
Mahatma Gandhi