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 20th
September 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.
