SFI Pamphlet dated 7th Dec, '08

Public Meeting: Mumbai Terror Aftermath: The Way Forward

Speakers: Com. Nilotpal Basu, Central Secretariat Member, CPI(M)

Prof. Zoya Hasan, CPS, JNU & Member, NCM

Siddharth Varadarajan, Deputy Editor, The Hindu

7th Dec (Tonight) - Sutlej Mess - 9.00 pm

Friends, 7/12/08

The recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai have left a huge sense of insecurity and paranoia within the common people in our country. Not only did the terrorists who attacked various places on 26^th November kill almost 200 people including innocent civilians, foreigners and security personnel but they also succeeded in creating a reign of terror all over the country. The fact that an attack of such proportions, which involved heavily armed terrorists with rigorous military training entering the country from the sea route could be executed without there being any clue to our intelligence and security apparatus has left far too many questions unanswered. A leading newspaper has correctly described these attacks as “an affront to the Indian state”.

The moot question which stares us in the face now is what is to be done in the present situation. Of course there is no dearth of opinions on this issue. From the right wing forces led by the RSS-BJP-ABVP which have declared that the test of patriotism and commitment against terrorism lies in military strikes against Pakistan and branding the entire Muslim community in India as terrorists to the politically illiterate media which has embarked on a tirade against politicians and the political establishment without any sense of responsibility, whereby jingoism and anarchy seem to be taking over what should have been an objective and mature response to this crisis situation. Attempts are also being made to describe this as “India’s 9/11” and build pressure for us joining the US sponsored war against terror. Absurd conspiracy theories are also being floated by some persons in the ultra left and NGO circles describing these attacks as handwork of CIA-Mossad and the Indian state.

As responsible citizens of the country and people who cherish the cause of peace and justice, we must ensure that political common sense does not take a drubbing at this critical juncture. Also any attempts which try and push the country towards military conflicts with Pakistan must be carefully guarded against given the delicately poised situation in this sub-continent which involves nuclear weaponized states. Diplomatic pressure through appropriate bilateral and multilateral channels in keeping with the UN Security Council resolution 1373 on terrorism must be used to put pressure on the Pakistani state to ensure that those involved in these activities are brought to book. Adequate steps must be taken to overhaul and strengthen our internal security and intelligence establishments, to prevent such mishaps in the future. And most importantly, there is an utmost need to defeat any attempts which seek to create divisive feelings in the country for petty political gains. To share some ideas on this issue, the SFI invites you to tonight’s public meeting in Sutlej Mess at 9 pm.

Sd/- P.K.Anand, President, SFI-JNU.
Sd/- Roshan, Secretary, SFI-JNU.