I have been working in UK for 4 years,I had the chance to mix and mingle with UK nationals as well as Pakistanis. I felt that western world is least considered about anti-terrorism support it should provide to India, they seem to hold to the view that Indo-Pak conflict should continue and both do not progress. Tey are confident about their strategies to defend them selves. Unlike India, UK has a cut throat philosophy on terrorists in it ,for example,underground shooting of an innocent foriegner as a terror suspect and high alert and threat posed on muslim minorties periodically. They have a roubust policy and committment to exceute that. I doubt the honesty and sincerity of Indian politicians. The doubts doubled with the vote bank gimmics such as minority reservations and scams. There is a sea of difference in Indian public mentality, media thinking and governement functioning compared to the west world. Of course, terrorism is global but the roots are elsewhere. I think there are many issues to be resolved in the combat of terrorism but what progress can be made with such a mediocre and corrupt beurocrates and politicians? A change in average Indian thinking is all that required.
RE:Fundamental Issues
by Ashutosh Misra on Jul 19, 2006 12:02 PM Permalink
Dear Dr. Avdhanam
My sincere appreciation for you having taken time to read my piece and responded to it as well. I completely agree with you on the point that UK has a cut throat policy vis-a-vis terrorism. This is where I believe India can make use of that policy in pressurising terrorism sponsoring countries. UK now also realises that there will be many fauz paux occuring while dealing with terrorism such a s the killing of an inncoent Brazilian in the subway. This has muted several voices which were talking of human rights excesses in J&K.
I totally agree that public perceptions in India have to change and let me assure u I think slowly but surely they are changing. This would very soon put pressure on the government to take some meaningful and concrete actions against Pakistan, whether diplomatically or otherwise.
With Pakistan there is no vote bank policy as foregin policy issues have seldom been domestic politics issues, which is very heartening. The moment this ceases to happen, matters would get worse. On others issues such as reservation and scams I endorse your veiws completely.
I believe by 2015 India should be in a formidable position to achieve peace
