’Yes, We Can’

As we go to press we have come to know that Pakistanis Minister for Internal Affairs has officially admitted that some part of the conspiracy behind the terror attack in Mumbai last November was hatched in Pakistan and the Pakistan Government has filed FIRs charging the perpetrators of the crime and its organisers with acts violating specific provisions of Pakistan’s laws. One could argue that these steps have come quite late in the day. Even if that is the case (and one could reasonably assume that this latest stand on the part of the Pakistani authorities is the outcome of the US pressure on Islamabad) it is doubtless a noteworthy and welcome development.

However, more than our gloating over the “success” in forcing Islamabad to eat its words on this front what is urgently necessary is to set our own house in order—strengthening our internal security system so as to be well prepared to meet any such eventuality as Mumbai 11/26. From all available indications preparations on this score are still woefully inadequate and one may well conclude on the basis of information at one’s disposal that little improvement in this area is expected so long as the present internal security apparatus supervised by the current National Security Adviser (who has repeatedly established that he is unsuited for the post he holds) is in place. Not that the country is lacking in competent personnel in this area—but they are not being effectively utilised. There is a crisis of leadership which cannot be overlooked under any pretext.

The entire political class must be held responsible for this sorry state of affairs. The BJP-led NDA coalition in the Opposition may be shouting hoarse against the ruling UPA dispensation charging the latter with dereliction of duty but its own record in office has been hardly better if not worse. Its much-publicised ‘Operation Parakram’ after the Parliament House attack in December 2001 ended without bearing any fruit, Try as it will it cannot possibly live down this stark reality. At the same time no other party or combination inspires any public confidence in this regard. In fact the political leaders in the country, who became a subject of intense ridicule in Mumbai after the terror attack last November, have now once more come out in their true colours and crowned themselves with further “glory” by their latest unruly demonstrations in the State Assemblies of UP (on February 10) and Andhra and Orissa (on February 11). They have thus again proved beyond dispute that the country’s future is not safe in their hands: they continue to fiddle while the nation faces stupendous challenges to its security and integrity.

In this dismal scenario it is we, the common citizens, who must bestir ourselves and come forward to save the country not necessarily in opposition to the political leaders but by striking a radical departure from the latter’s current callous approach and attitude in tacking the grave problems and difficulties before the nation today. We must strengthen internal security by introducing measures to ensure holistic development of all segments of our people (especially the most vulnerable and marginalised), human rights, social and economic justice, and thus unveil a new path of progress. It is no use harping on our limitations and incapabilities. Upholding the Gandhian legacy it is time for all of us to resolve without the slightest tinge of hesitation that “we shall overcome”. And it is here that we need to reiterate Barack Obama’s unforgettable words in the Indian context: “Yes, We Can”.

February 12 S.C.