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Terrorism in India

Sir,

Terrorism has been in the world since ages. In democratic countries, the people can express their views without any fear. If the genuine grievances are not looked into, the people have other democratic and non-violent means available with them to focus the attention of the Government. However, in recent years some people have started resorting to terrorism to press their demands. And, it is the innocent and helpless who become its victim.

Terrorism is a world wide phenomena and yet there is no internationally accepted definition of it. Broadly it is defined as an organised system of intimidation and violence especially for political purpose. Political frustrations, religious, and social fanaticism and economic backwardness are the main causes of terrorism. External powers encourage terrorism in order to create instability in certain regions. Terrorists are people who believe in the cult of violence and who wait to coerce government into agreement on certain issues. They indulge in hijacking, kidnapping, shooting and arson etc. Terrorism started its growth on the international horizon in the 1960s fuelled by the early success of the PLO which introduced airline hijacking as an international weapon to further their cause. This was followed by kidnappings, assassination and so on by groups like the Iranian Mujahideen. the German Bader Men hof, Italian Red Brigade and the Japanese Red Army which have forged links and alliances to perpetrate terror world wide. There is also the IRA in Britain and the LTTE of Sri Lanka which has been responsible for the deaths of Rajiv Gandhi and Premadasa.

Terrorism in India has become endemic since early 1980s. It has been nurtured and planted by external agencies especially Pakistan in the sensitive states of Kashmir and Punjab where the concept of regional autonomy has been exploited by Pakistan. The North Eastern States with its outfits like then ULFA and the NSCN are also indulging in kidnapping and other terrorist activities. However, it is the March 12, 1993 serial bombing of Bombay which has really introduced the face of international terrorism in India.

It is only by improving social, economic and political conditions and by fostering the forces of democracy and secularism, peace, stability that the battle against violence and terrorism can be won.

Yours etc...
Dharam Vir Manggal
Ghagwal, Hiranagar.

Rajkumar kidnapping episode

Sir,

The Raj Kumar kidnapping episode has taken a very interesting twist. Its more of a hilarious drama than an unfortunate fact. This is in reference to the tape recorded statement of south Indian super star Raj Kumar to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, M. Karunanidhi where he has appealed the Government to let Veerappan lead a normal life and accept his unreasonable demands. The statement that he is released and his health is fine, makes one think: Was kidnapping real or just a publicity stint by both the parties to gain attention? Veerappan's brotherly treatment towards Raj Kumar and their long discussions give us the impression that it was more of a jungle tea party, than a serious kidnapping incident.

The kidnapping in the past have indicated all together a different experience for the victims, than the one narrated above. The kidnapping of six foreign tourists by the militants in Kashmir proved that when the guns and blood hungry brigands abduct, the stakes are much higher. The recent hijacking case is evidence enough of trauma experienced by the passenger during their tortuous stay in the air craft.

It has been observed that the efficiency of our police officials is doubted, when they are unsuccessful in solving these cases, but its sad that Raj Kumar when offered police protection refused it by saying that he was not chandan that Veerappan will kidnap him and later issuing a statement requesting the police officials to lay back because he feels that the treatment given to him is absolutely fine and harmless leaves no doubt for police efficiency.

But this is just one side of the story. Its often seen that the abducted victims have issued statements of their well being in captivity and so could be the case with Raj Kumar, who under extreme pressure, may have been forced to make such a statement. The kind of hysteria evoked by his fans; the government officials and the police was of unexpected proportion to the extent that film stars like Jaya Pradha, Raj Kumar and Gopal (Journalist) willingly offered to mediate.

Kidnapping have always taken place and its unfortunate that the number cannot be reduced. The story behind the scenes can only be narrated by Raj Kumar once he returns home.

Yours etc...
Nidhi Soni,
Jammu.