The Reality Graph of India Shining by Dr. Raja Muhammad Khan

In order to gain the victory in the elections of 2004, the then ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) raised the slogan of ‘India Shining’.
In fact BJP led NDA government wanted to befool the innocent masses that because of their reforms over the last decade, India had progressed overnight and had attained a status whereby it had started shining in all fields. This indeed was a misleading concept, based on economic optimism and Indian development in the field of information technology. The concept was supported by the copious crops in year 2003, following the timely and favourable rains. Apart from economic gains, the nationalists BJP leadership of India wanted an international protuberance of India, especially in the post 9/11 scenario, where India wanted to present its image of a soft power in the comity of nations. Projected under the former Finance Minister, Mr. Jaswant Singh, the India Shining campaign, casted India millions of US dollars through Grey Worldwide Advertising Company. Following this phrase, the Indian political parties have been toying with-both sarcastically and in dead earnest. A phrase coined by the political bigwigs and joyfully tom-tomed by the Indian consumer market; “India shining-welcome to the India of the 21st century”. As per Indian writer Mr. Anil Chawla, in order to raise its image in the eyes of masses and at global level, “Government of India spent close to Rs. five billion on an advertising campaign that announced India Shining”. The leaders of NDA Government gave an impression that they have done more for the country in just five years than all governments of previous fifty years. According to them, India is on the way of becoming a superpower. On the contrary, their opponent, Congress led UPA Government claims that BJP has only promoted the ideology of Hindu extremism and terrorism in Indian society. Upon its failure to win the election – 2004, the BJP leader and candidate for premiership, Mr. L.K Advani said that we have given good governance to the people and were confident to form government and “the impression even among the opponents and foreign analysts was that we will win....but we lost...one, due to over-confidence and secondly, using some wrong slogans like India Shining...,". Mr. Advani further said that though it was a valid slogan, but out of place for our election campaign. “By making them verbal icons of our election campaign, we gave our political opponents an opportunity to highlight other aspects of India's contemporary reality...which questioned our claim." The critics of the Shining India slogan which include intelligentsia, men at streets and even the politicians who have been categorically pointing out that India was overwhelmed by the issues like poverty and inequality. The India Shining slogan was seen by majority of the people including BJP allies of NDA government as “glossing over a variety of social problems facing the people of India” especially those living on the country side/ villages. The system of justice in country is ought to be a foundation for the democracy. In shining India, the corruption of courts is at peak, thus making the very basis of democracy as shaky and creaky. Apart from courts, the level of corruption in India has reached to an extent that, it is no longer possible to get anything done without greasing the palms. Indeed the India Shining, the so called world’s largest democracy is a land of extreme contradiction. On the one hand, it has second highest number of billionaires, whereas on the other it is home to the teeming millions who scarcely keep the wolf from the door. Minorities and lower Indian castes are totally vulnerable, open to exploitation by higher Indian castes without any remorse and state protection. Contrary to its claim, India has never demonstrated to be a secular state, neither could she upheld its claims of a social welfare state. Its dominant castes have always committed unprecedented breach of international obligations of fundamental human rights of lower classes and Dalits. Indian police and security forces have been found quite often in extrajudicial killings, including staged encounter killings and custodial deaths. Surprisingly the security forces officials who commit human rights abuses generally enjoy de-facto legal impunity. Apart from this, harassment and arrest of human rights activists; extensive societal violence and legal and social discrimination against women; forced prostitution; child abuse and female infanticide; widespread inter-caste and communal violence; religion-based violence against Muslims and Christians are regular features, clearly reflecting the Indian insensitivity and exposing her tall claims of a secular state. The India shining has given a new trend to the state sponsor terrorism in Occupied Kashmir, North and Northeastern states, state of Gujarat and brutalities against Sikhs are some of the examples. The so-called Shining India, in fact is home to the world’s largest number of poor people inhabiting a single country. Out of its over one billion population, an estimated four hundred millions are living below the poverty line. More than 40 per cent of the population is illiterate, with women, tribal and scheduled castes particularly affected. Because of poverty, there is a sharp increase in the ratio of deaths through suicides. According to an official report of India, nearly 70% people live in inhuman conditions. A national survey held recently indicated that majority of people living along countryside have their daily earnings less than rupees 30. In March 2007, it was pointed out by Asian Director of Human Rights Watch, Brad Adams, in a UNO organized conference against discrimination that, "The UN Committee's concluding observations confirm that India has failed to properly protect Dalits and tribal communities." After having known the reality, one has to shore up the Indian even-tempered psychotherapists who strongly believe that, as a slum dweller, India is facing multiple problems in all fields. Indeed, a vast majority of Indians do not know where their next meal is going to come from. Therefore the fact remains that India is neither shining nor will shine ever. Rather, it is a shelter less inn for the majority of its underprivileged masses.

BD rifles mutiny, an Indian conspiracy by Sultan M Hali

As soon as Awami League (AL) came to occupy the seat of government in Dhaka, a macabre plot was hatched with Indian complicity to teach the BD Army a lesson.
The gruesome event of mutiny in Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) killing their Commanding General and many others including officers’ families and children came as a rude shock. As per media reports the dreadful event took place on differences over pay and perk between Army and Bangladesh Rifles. The Jawans of BDR also complained about corruption of Army Officers who come to BDR for a short tenure and indulge in corrupt practices. The question is that causes as reported through media are not commensurate with the magnitude of the criminal activity that took place in the BDR. The saner elements of the society are skeptical about the real causes leading to mass scale mutiny in a disciplined force of BDR. Across the board investigation to unearth the facts is imperative to punish those responsible for such a gory drama and to avert such future happening in the BD Armed Forces. Although the government of Bangladesh is investigating the whole episode yet there is a need for the government of BD to see through the designs of their real enemy India who want the newly elected AL government to accept their demands including transit route facilities and joint task force etc. The fact of the matter is that India wants to plunder Bangladesh’s wealth at any cost. While AL of Sheikh Hasina Wajid is pro-Indian political party of Bangladesh, Indian spy masters want to inflict maximum damage on the Armed Forces of Bangladesh creating fear in the minds of officers to understand Indian messages while guarding their national interests. It appears to be a deliberate Indian scheme to sponsor the mutiny and killing of BDR officers while cleverly insinuating against ISI of Pakistan as a cover story. The unfortunate saga which unfolded in Dhaka sounds out of place that a group of soldiers could reach the threshold of frustration over pecuniary matters resulting in savage butchery of officers, women and innocent children. Reports have surfaced now about mutineer’s communications with across the border further cementing the speculations that this was too well planned an operation to be handled by junior cadre alone. Bangladesh has paid a heavy price to resist the Indian hegemonic designs in the region. The secrets about the recent conspiratorial mutiny are gradually being unfolded. Many links have already been unearthed and after joining them together the conspiracy theory is now being believed by almost everyone as a reality. The most horrifying aspect is that all links leads to the Government involvement the PM in particular along with some of Sheikh Hasina’s confidants. It is now largely believed that the revolt was not a spontaneous one among the ranks and files but a small group of 20/25 individuals were carefully organized over a period of time to spearhead the sad episode taking the advantage of some petty grudges of the ranks and files. The group had been organized under direct supervision of PM’s Defense Advisor General Tareq Siddiqui (Retd), the brother in law of Sheikh Hasina, who after retirement has been picked up as Defense Advisor to the PM with the status of a full minister. Under him the following persons worked to organize the group of the agent provocateurs. 1. Sahara Khatun the Home Minister 2. Mirza Azam presently whip of the ruling party 3. Jahangir Kabir Nanak ex- President of Jubo League now State Minister of Local Govt. He is a ruthless person who was charged for corruption, extortion, arson and cold-blooded murders by the last army-backed interim Govt. of Fakhruddin. 4. MD. Tawheed (a long time close friend of Nanak) appointed as the Deputy Assistant Director in BDR along with three other persons in different posts by the Home Ministry. 5. ADV. Quamrullslam 6. Sheikh Fazle Nur Taposh(son of Sheikh Fazlul Haq Moni, nephew of Mujib killed in encounter on 15th Aug revolution 1975) 7. Hasan Mohamed DG RAB 8. Nasim khan appointed by the present Govt. as DMP Commissioner. 9. Nur Mohammad newly appointed IGP. The mutiny commenced at 10 am and surprisingly by 12 noon Hasina sent Nanak to BDR HQ at Pilkhana as her emissary where the Home Minister joined with Nanak to bring a delegation of the mutineers headed by MD. Tawheed for a negotiated settlement of the crisis refusing permission to the armed forces to act at the very onset of the mutiny. The delegation arrived at PM’s residence escorted by Nanak, Sahara Khatun, IGP and DMP Commissioner like VIPs and just handed over their hand scribbled demands to Hassina and returned triumphantly with a general amnesty from her. Nanak, Sahara Khatun escorted back the delegation to BDR HQ. Within a few minutes Sahara khatun’s car left the HQ with three covered faced co passengers mysteriously for unknown destination. After the departure of Sahara Khatun the Home Minister Nanak also left the place in a hurry. There after IGP was ordered to send police inside to collect the dead bodies littering all over the compound. Injured were sent to hospitals. On the 2nd of March Hasina visited the Army Headquarters to address about 2000 officers who came from all over the country to pay homage to the martyrs and take part in the burial ceremony. There she could feel the heat of anger and quickly left the place cutting short her address. She was terribly nervous and scared to face the angry young officers. The message that she carried back was that she could no longer trust BD armed forces nether she could earn respect from them. Under such situation before it is too late she decided to hasten the hidden agenda to allow foreign forces to come in to tame and establish full control over the BD armed forces, intelligence agencies and all other law enforcing forces under the pretext of restructuring, modernization etc. Accordingly just after her visit to the Dhaka Cantt she convened an urgent session of Parliament to discuss the present crisis facing the nation. In her speech she openly sought all out help and assistance from America, Britain, UN and other agencies to come in to restructure and reorganize the untrustworthy armed forces and all other law enforcing forces of Bangladesh including intelligence agencies fighting against terror. However, the fact remains that such a national betrayal is just to secure herself and her Govt in power being dependent on the forces of the foreign masters. A wishful thinking indeed! It is simply another classical proof of that golden saying “we read history but not learn anything from it and thus history repeats itself.”

The snake in the grass — II by Ali Sukhanver

The mutiny started at around 10 a.m. and surprisingly by 12 noon Hasina Wajid sent Nanak to BDR Headquarters at Pilkhana as her emissary where the Home Minister joined with Nanak to bring a delegation of the mutineers headed by M.D. Tawheed for a negotiated settlement of the crisis, refusing permission to the armed forces to act at the very onset of the mutiny.
The delegation arrived at the PM’s residence escorted by Nanak, Sahara Khatun, IGP and DMP Commissioner like VIPs and just handed over their hand scribbled demands to Prime Minister Hasina and returned triumphantly with a general amnesty from her. Nanak, Sahara Khatun escorted back the delegation to BDR Headquarters. Within a few minutes Sahara Khatun’s car left the HQ with three covered faced co-passengers mysteriously for unknown destination. After the departure of Sahara Khatun the Home Minister Nanak also left the place in a hurry. There after the IGP was ordered to send police inside to collect the dead bodies littering all over the compound. The injured were sent to hospitals. Hasina allowed the army to take position around the compound but not to storm it. She negotiated with the mutineers for the next 36 hours, first directly, then through emissaries whom she dispatched to a sweet shop on the edge of the compound. She offered a general amnesty and promised to address the rebels’ grievances. On day two, when they refused to surrender, she threatened to send in tanks. By the time the siege ended, more than 6,000 border guards had escaped. This situation gives birth to so many suspicions. Most of the opposition parties of Bangladesh are taking this mutiny as a very well-planned drama, written and directed by the Indian intelligence agency RAW (Research and Analysis Wing). They are sure the prime minister is purely working for the Indian hegemonic designs. Abdur Razzak, a leader of the conservative Jamaat-e-Islami blamed, “This all was an army problem. The army should have solved it in their wisdom.” He saw the mutiny as a conspiracy designed to weaken the army and the state. The opposition leaders are referring to the statement made by the prime minister during her election campaign, “I would root out Islamist guerrillas, try alleged war criminals that collaborated against Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan in 1971, nurture friendly relations with neighbouring India, and stop anti-Indian insurgents from using Bangladeshi soil for attacks against New Delhi.” Even in the army, there is some hatred and distrust for the prime minister. On March 2 Hasina visited the Army Headquarters to address about 2,000 officers who came from all over the country to pay homage to the martyrs and take part in their burial ceremony. There she could feel the heat of anger and quickly left the place, cutting short her address. She was terribly nervous and scared to face the angry young officers. The message that she carried back was that she could no longer trust the armed forces neither she could earn respect from them. The present situation should be very much alarming not only for the prime minister but also for the armed forces. What would be the end of a country whose prime minister is being alleged for working as an agent of a foreign country? It is the responsibility of the Bangladesh armed forces to see through the designs of their real enemy India which wants the newly elected Awami League government to accept their demands, including transit route facilities and joint task force, etc. The fact is that India wants to plunder Bangladesh’s wealth at any cost. While Awami League of Sheikh Hasina Wajid is a pro-Indian political party, Indian spy masters want to inflict maximum damage to the armed forces of Bangladesh, creating fear in the minds of officers to understand Indian messages while guarding their national interests. It appears to be a deliberate Indian scheme to sponsor the mutiny and killing of BOR officers while cleverly insinuating against ISI of Pakistan as a cover story. Recently after the mutiny in Bangladesh, Uncle Sam has cautioned his loving son-in-law to stop supplying capital to the terrorist organisations through “Hundi” and “Hawala” money transfer system. This caution to India by the US not only certifies the role played by India in the spread of terrorism in South Asia but also shatters the so-called image of the country as harmless peace loving dove. According to the media reports the US has very clearly suggested that the Indian intelligence agencies, particularly the RAW should review their activities in South Asia.

Ideological Basis of Hindu Terrorism by Dr. Raja Muhammad Khan

The use of violence to achieve ends is called terrorism. Terrorism has existed since time immemorial by state, groups or individuals.
The recorded history of ‘terrorism’ dates back to 66 AD and 70 AD, when Sicarri Zealots, rose against the Romans in Palestine due to the atrocities committed by the Romans. They adopted the strategy of “pure terror”, to cause panic and fear. They carried out broad daylight attacks, targeting government officials and Romans supporters. However the word terror was formally used during French Revolution when the state used extreme measures between 1793 -1797 and was referred to as “terror from above”. It has existed for centuries but has never been felt as it was felt during the later part of the 20th century and in the current times, mainly because of the shrinking of the world leading to globalization and cyber revolution. In the Sub-continent, large Hindu terrorist group known as ‘Thugs’ operated for 300 to 600 years in India, before they faded away owing to the pressure of British Colonialism in the middle of the 19th century. While tracking the history, it is highlighted that in 1968, there were eleven terrorists groups, none having religious affiliations. By 2004, there were seventy seven US designated terrorist groups, out of which almost half had some religious affiliation. Now this number has been further augmented. “Hindu terrorism” has been a reality ever since it existed. Nevertheless, it has been cleverly concealed from the world; therefore, very less has been listen, said or written about it. Now the time has come that the true face of the Hindu terrorism must be highlighted and exposed to the global community, before it engulf the region or globe as a whole. Today, because of Hindu terrorism, not only innocent people, but, weak and smaller countries are being victimized and strangulated alike. Hindu terrorism is a stark reality which remains magically eclipsed. It is as old as Hindu civilization. In the Hindu beliefs, both preserver Vishnu and destroyer Shiva are deities. Furthermore, the caste system entitles the higher caste to punish and torture the lower caste even to an extent of killing an innocent and, also, no one has the right to live in their land who does not believe in ‘Hindutva’ (the Hindu way of life). Though remained largely unnoticed, Hindu Terrorism is not a new phenomenon. Rather, it is as old as the origin of this religion is. It is imbedded deep inside its mythology, culture, customs and way of life, which justifies killing and violence against those who do not fall within its beliefs. In Hindu beliefs, to kill or terrorize those who are inferior human beings is a sacred act. To sacrifice innocent human lives at the altar of Hindu doctrines is an act of piety in order to achieve the blessings of deities. Apart from the above beliefs the “Mahabharata” of Vedic golden age has to be reincarnated, which extends from Indonesia to Iran and Afghanistan. The beliefs and the dream of Mahabharata are a compulsive obsession of Hindu mind and their sacred duty. These concepts are the driving force behind Hindu terrorism. The killing fields of Hindu terrorism are filled with human flesh and blood and are increasing continuously with the rise of Hindu power. For the sacred religious duty and to fulfill the promise to their gods of Mahabharata, all the Hindus are united, whether they are overt extremists of ‘Sangh Parivar’, covert secularists of Indian Congress Party, law enforcing agencies or the Indian army. The two faces of Hindu terrorism help in cloaking its darker side, but events like, massacres of Gujarat or Indian Colonel PS Shurat’s involvement in Samjhauta Express are the living proofs of recent times. From the Hindu beliefs and Hindu actions today nothing is hidden, only the world needs to be aware of it to save itself from Hindu fascism. In South Asia, Hindus for ages have committed acts of violence against other communities and religions to achieve political objectives, but their centuries old philosophy of ‘cloak and dagger’ succeeded in making them magically invisible. The rise of India after Ashoka has accentuated the use of violent means to subjugate innocent and peaceful communities and nations. Hindu extremism has internationalized and remains cloaked from the world’s eyes. It is another unfortunate, success story of the ‘Two Faced Hindu Terrorism’. In USA an organization by the name of Indian Development and Relief Fund (IDRF) generates funds to distribute among ‘Sangh Parivar’ in India. It lists Sewa International as its counterpart in India. In Africa it lives by the name of Bhartiya Swayamsevak Sangh (BSS) and in Britain it has been established as Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (H.S.S). In Britain true to its tradition it has started with the face of ‘Lakshmi’ keeping in hiding the face of ‘Kali’ which it has in India. Today, in India there are many organizations with extremist Hindu beliefs trying to establish Hindutva. Together these are called ‘Sangh Parivar’ and include Rashtriya Swayarnsevak Sangh (RSS), Vishwa Hindu Prashad (VHP), Shiv Sena, Bajrang Dal. They all work in collusion with mainstream political party Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian establishment. Recently the arrest of serving Colonel PS Shurat with a retired Major Upadhay and some soldiers in Malegaon blasts and Samjhauta Express terror attack and their association with ‘Hindutva’ believers just tells us that, how deep Hindu terror has penetrated even in the Indian Army. In Kashmir Brigadier (retired) Suchet Singh is one of the leading members of an extremist Hindu Party. More worrying is that BJP, the progeny of RSS has many ex-servicemen and more are joining it. They have a separate association. Major General (retired) B.C. Khanduria of BJP and an active member of terrorist Hindu group is the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand. The Indian army’s infestation with ‘Hindutva’ concept is not from today. This is visible from decades. Their atrocity in Kashmir against Muslim men and women is well documented even by Indian Human rights organizations. Their brutal attitude towards Sikhs in the Golden Temple attack is yet another example and their absence or late arrivals when Hindus were on the rampage in Babri Mosque cannot be denied. All the battle cries of Indian Army are not of Indian secular army but a Hindu Army. All ten commandants of B.C. Joshi; ex Indian Army Chief, in 1993 had quotations from “Vedas”. More dangerous and diabolical is that retired Hindu servicemen give training to RSS Maranders. It looks as if the Indian Army means an Army with Hindu ideology with a dream to fulfill the ‘Hindutva’. Hindu extremism is internationalized, but remains cloaked from the world’s eyes. It is another inopportune, success story of the ‘Two Faced Hindu Terrorism’. Today at the global panorama, there are a number of terrorist movements operating. But this is heartening to know that only a negligible numbers of their terrorist acts have ever been known. Most of those are even not acknowledged as they are committed by those who are strong enough to crush its recognition. Hindu Terrorism’ is one such reality which very much exists today. The terror of its dagger is naked yet it seems to be cloaked and invisible. It is important that Hindu Terrorism’ must be highlighted and the reasons for its manifestations and existence must be explained. The roots of ‘Hindu Terrorism’ lie in their mythology and doctrines. It is embedded in the minds of Hindus. The two faces of their beliefs and doctrines work craftily and artfully in order to hide the ruthless side of their actions. Alas! World could have noticed the true visage of Hindu terrorism and its impending intends.

Nexuses of Lahore Terror Attack by Dr. Raja Muhammad Khan

Ever since the Munich incident of 1972, where 11 Israeli athletes were killed, there have been no assaults on sports events.
The 3/3 terror attack on the Sri Lankan cricket at Lahore is being viewed with torment by everyone in Pakistan, Sri Lanka and elsewhere in the world. The uncomforting incident has caused eight deaths and around a dozen injuries including six Sri Lankan players. With a dedicated mission to implement, the assailants had brought with them heavy sums of arms and ammunition to cause maximum obliteration. The incident on the one hand speaks flaws in the security arrangements made for the visiting team, while on the other, is indicative of the fact that the attackers were well trained and had methodically rehearsed their actions before final blow on March 3, 2009. Until now, over two dozen people have been arrested on the charges of qualms, mostly from the areas along the Indo-Pak border. After evaluating the factors and motives behind the attack; Mr. Rehman Malik, advisor to the Prime Minister on internal affairs, said, “We suspect a foreign hand behind this incident. The democracy of the country has been undermined, and foreigners are repeatedly attacked to harm the country’s image.” United States pointed its fingers towards Al-Qaeda, Taliban or Lashkar-e-Tayyiba and also declared it as a new strategy of attack, ‘new terrorist strike of choice’. A former White House counter terrorism expert, Juan Zarate opined, “It’s likely that there will be more of these kinds of attacks, which are much more difficult to defend against”. There are many other views mostly from South Asian analysts, who suspect the elements of Tamil Tiger’s organization; the LTTE, behind the attack. Some analysts are even trying to establish a linkage between elements of LTTE and some Pakistan based banned Islamic organizations. A number of people even tried to link it with the Mumbai attacks of November 26, 2008. Indeed the attack is being viewed from various angles by analysts and security experts, with everyone agreeing on one point that; ‘it was an act of terrorism, scrupulously planned and exceptionally executed by well trained terrorists’. It is pertinent to highlight that in spite of stiff Indian opposition, Sri Lanka Government, while upholding its friendship with Pakistan, sent its cricket team to play a friendly series. The decision highly infuriated India, whose premier intelligence agency; RAW planned to disrupt the series through its traditional act of sabotage and insurrection. These malevolence designs of the RAW were even officially reported to Punjab Government on January 22, 2009, by the Crimes Investigation Department (CID). Regrettably, owing to the political turmoil and postings of the concerned security officials of the provincial government, all these reports and warnings were taken lightly. Following the attack, Indian officials and state media tried to forestall the incident with old rhetoric that the attack was undertaken by religious outfits like Lashkar-e-Tayba etc. Logic provided for this was based on an assumption that this religious outfit indeed wanted to kidnap some players of the Sri Lankan team and later use them for the release of its leader, Zakiur Rehman Naqvi, arrested in connection with Mumbai attacks. To supplement the disingenuous story of RAW, Indian Foreign, Defence and Home Ministers issued evocative statements. Mr. Pranab Mukherjee even said, “Unless infrastructure and facilities available to the terrorist organizations within Pakistan or territory under its control are completely dismantled, repetition of these incidents will take place”. Indeed these statements and misperceptions from Indian officials were an effort to project cynical image of Pakistan to international community. Beside other factors, the timing of the attack has to be analyzed critically. The terror attack has been conducted at a time once in the 25 years of insurrectionary history of Sri Lanka, RAW sponsored LTTE had almost lost its infighting with Sri Lankan state forces in February 2009 and its ailing leader Mr. Prabhakaran was airlifted by secret services elements of India to a safer location. Moreover there have been cooperation between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the field of defense and security and Pakistan has provided her with necessary military hardware which proved very supportive in quelling the insurgency, therefore India found the occasion as the most opportune to hunt both the countries with a single shot. Incontrovertibly, incidents of such magnitude could not have been done by any Pakistani or anyone having even a minutest love for Pakistan. Religious organizations in Pakistan would not have done that, mainly because there are neither commonalities of believes nor tangible rationales of acquaintances between LTTE and these Pakistan based religious organizations. Even the arrest of Zakiur Rehman Naqvi by Pakistani authorities is considered to be a preventive act; otherwise he or anyone else from Pakistani soil is not anticipated to be involved in the indistinct Mumbai attack. In reality, ever since it was foundation in 1968, RAW has radically contributed in the destabilization of Pakistan through its terrorist network operative in the country. Even today it has thousands of agents intruded inside Pakistani borders to create the nastiest security tribulations. Besides, its previously planted agents, in all eventualities, there is yet a likelihood that, LTTE elements might have been used by RAW for this attack on Sri Lankan team for four obvious rationales: firstly, Sri Lankan cricket team comprises of Sinhalese, which are the main target of LTTE and moreover their visit to Pakistan against the desires of India exasperated the RAW. Secondly; the desperate RAW backed LTTE, after losing the battle in Sri Lanka, must have tried to regain its significance by targeting the vulnerable events like cricket; thus demonstrating that the terrorist organization has the potential to carry out its activities elsewhere, outside the Sri Lankan borders. Thirdly; Pakistan has been providing the military aid to Sri Lankan Government for its counterinsurgency operations, which had caused distress in the camps of RAW and LTTE, both considered this, as the most appropriate occasion to level the score. Fourthly; the terrorist organization is basically trained and sponsored by RAW, under ‘Indra Doctrine’, therefore always acts on its orders to pursue its mission of destabilizing the neighbouring countries, especially Pakistan. Apart from the lapse in the security arrangements, it is very palpable that, the incident was aimed at slandering Pakistan and declaring it, a state utterly unsecure for the conduct of any international event on its soil. It has also placed caution on the visits of foreign nationals in Pakistan, in a way; pushing it towards an economic and political commotion. In the wake of the damaging role being played by RAW, the security of such like events cannot be left to the law enforcing agencies only. Time has come where nation as whole has to rise to the occasion by becoming fully cognizant of its security intimidation, especially those covert activities, emanating from across the borders. Apart from the national leadership, intelligentsia and the media must play a positive role through a campaign of awareness among the masses of Pakistan against such like incidents in the future.

Muddling Balochistan by Zaresh Khan

Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan just 100 kms from the Afghan frontier, has been a magnet for the Afghans fleeing fighting and drought for over two decades. After 9/11, the city has once again become the center of the Taliban activities (as alleged). Mullah Omar, supreme leader of the Talibans and Mullah Dadullah, who was killed in May 2007, were regular visitors to the city. But President Musharraf earlier and President Zardari Presently rejected all these reports saying that Pakistan’s military and civilian leaders publicly deny any government ties to militant groups. The President had claimed that American CIA and ISI jointly operated in Quetta and during their presence; it is not possible for the Talibans to make the city their safe heaven. Later the American officials agreed that there is no concrete proof of presence of Mullah Omar or the Talibans in Quetta. They further said that it is unlikely that top officials in Islamabad are coordinating the clandestine efforts. However, Chinese activities in Gwadar have made some discomfort in Washington. Geo-strategically and economically speaking, Balochistan is a very important province of Pakistan. It commands vast natural resources in its soil and its surrounding areas, Afghanistan and Central Asian countries are also rich in natural resources. But many of these countries are landlocked and Balochistan is their route to the sea and the world. Now keeping in mind the economic and strategic significance of Balochistan, the proposed drone attacks on Quetta will be a threat to the strategic interests of not only Pakistan but also of other players particularly the United States of America.

America is interested in the Balochistan’s oil and gas reserves and wants to establish its influence in the province just to take benefits when the resources would come into utilization and these resources will help America fight the economic set back, which it is experiencing presently. In addition, America has concerns about Iranian influence over the Baloch tribes. America wants to reduce this influence because in case of any action against Iran, it does not face hard resistance from Balochistan. According to some in house moles, in order to reduce the Iranian influence in Balochistan, America is funding anti-Shia groups like the Sipah-e-Sahaba and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi in Balochistan. This is true that by creating unrest in Balochistan, America will be able to counter Chinese presence in Gwadar as it does not want China to be anywhere near its military bases in the Gulf area but the point to ponder here is that even if somehow America succeeds in achieving the above-mentioned aims by creating unrest in Balochistan i.e. by carrying out drone attacks, the repercussions will be so severe that it won’t be possible for America to handle them. For instance, people of Balochistan are already very enthusiastic that they will not care for the bloodshed but will fight the American intrusion with fidelity and courage. This means that as soon as America launches the Drone Attacks inside Balochistan, the anti-US sentiments will flare up and many reactionary groups will emerge. These reactionary groups will cause severe damage not only to the American war on terrorism but will also create civil war like problems for the government of Pakistan. The War on Terrorism will cross the boundaries of Afghanistan and America will soon loose its frontline state in the WOT i.e. Pakistan. And the major problem, which America will face, is that NATO supply trucks reach Afghanistan through Pakistan’s province of Balochistan. After the Drone attacks, the NATO supply line will not be safe and just like the economy of America, the WOT will face a ruthless blow. And this blow will be so rough that it might bring an end to the American super power and hegemony. Thus America needs to reconsider its choice of Drone attacks in Balochistan.

What the Americans can do is that they can provide Pakistan with concrete evidence about the whereabouts and activities of Talibans inside Balochistan. Pakistan is a responsible nation and is the frontline state in the war against terrorism. Islamabad once provided with evidence will act responsibly and will come up with affirmative results. This is a more constructive way of countering the terrorism threat rather than the destructive Drone attacks proposal. Moreover in the very beginning Pakistan proposed that the Turkhum-Shorawak border be fenced to control the Taliban infiltration inside Balochistan but at that time, Washington and Kabul both gave strong resistance. America needs to reconsider this option. Further, the system of Rahadari (permit) should be enforced, which means that any person who wants to cross the Pakistan-Afghanistan border has to seek permission from both sides. This will help in keeping check on the people crossing the border. Last but not the least another important player in Balochistan-Afghanistan dilemma is India. In Feb. 2009, the American official, John Solecki, the head of the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Quetta, was abducted about 8 a.m. as he and his driver, Syed Hashim were on their way to the United Nations’ local offices in Quetta. No one claimed the responsibility of this Hideous act but according to sources and investigations, this act was committed by BLA. It is a known truth that terrorist organizations like BLA is funded and trained by RAW. The recent course reveals that the innocent abducted UN official is being kept as a hostage in Afghanistan. So instead of bulldozing Pakistan government and maligning the name of Law Enforcing Agencies, the international community, specifically United States of America should nip the evil in the bud. Instead of launching Drone attacks on Quetta, America should compel India to give up its notorious desires in the region, only then the menace of terrorism can be eliminated.

There are many multiple problems in the social, economic and administrative setup of Balochistan. Balochistan has a history of conflicts and insurgencies with the stakes of the external players. The United States should not repeat the same mistakes that have led to billions of dollars being squandered in Iraq and Afghanistan. Tactful approach is required to fight the menace of Terrorism rather than opting for abrupt moves.

India’s Master Stroke and the Tsunami of BDR Mutiny by Momin Iftikhar

The mutiny among Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) during annual conclave of the Force, resulting into the death of over one hundred army officers, including the General Officer Commanding, has buffeted Bangladesh with a force nothing short of a tsunami.

The officers killed were not integral to the force, being on deputation from the Army for a fixed duration and as their bodies were disinterred from sewers and mass graves, the threat of a retributive backlash from the Army, as an institution, were not lost upon any one.

Killing of such a large number of officers in a mutiny, or for that matter even during war in a single day is unprecedented and the Bangladesh Army must be straining at the leash to get even with the perpetrators of this heinous crime. However such an option can only be exercised at grave peril to the national unity and its cost in terms of bloodshed is so much so as to impose sobering restrains on the hotheads to temper their impulse for revenge with reason and cool headedness. The country may have edged back from the precipice but young officers are chafing at the bit and the leadership obviously has to tread the situation with much caution, wisdom and restraint to cool off the impulse for self destruction.

The uprising is being attributed to a simmering unease and discontent among the BDR rank and file over the service conditions particularly pay and allowances and the command arrangements whereby the BDR troops were commanded by Army officers. But this premise is hardly rational. In every army there are inbuilt safety mechanisms to let out the pressures of grousing; Bangladesh Army being no exception. If the scenario for a large scale mutiny was building up, the inevitable straws in the wind would have given it away but the agencies in Bangladesh remained oblivious to the evolving threat. The manner in which the mutiny unfolded and the perpetrators escaped belies the presence of a foreign hand with long term objectives of ensuring mutual destruction of BDR and Bangladesh Army in a bloody internecine war which would have left no winners.

There is a growing body of opinion in Bangladesh which considers that India is behind this well planned rebellion “The killing mission was executed from the Indian intelligence headquarters through close monitoring,” Matiur Rahman Nizami, the chief of Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh said while addressing a meeting of his party. “India pulled a master stroke by destroying the border guards and trying to weaken Bangladesh’s Army and national security,” he said claiming that the Indian media ran the news of the carnage citing Indian intelligence sources before the local television stations could cover the incident.

The patriotism and commitment of the Bangladesh Army and the BDR have persistently rankled India by thwarting the Indian dreams of seeing Bangladesh emerge as a vassal state in the aftermath of its cessation from Pakistan. Such wishful dreams however began to unravel rather early. Within three months, strong resentment marked the mutual relations between the Bangladesh and the Indian Armies, with the latter assuming the role of an occupational victor. A Manchester Guardian correspondent reported on 22 January 1972 that Bangladeshi Officers claimed that Indian troops carried out organized looting of the factories. More reports emerged that equipment and machinery were being removed from many industrial sites in Bangladesh; Indian claim being that the property being looted was Pakistani, not Bangladeshi and therefore its commandeering was justified. The situation was not helped by the poor discipline displayed by the Indian officers and soldiers who began to get increasingly involved in incidents of rape, robbery and looting. According to Daily Telegraph information, thirty-one Indian Army officers and men faced court martial for offences committed in Bangladesh, a poor reflection of the state of affairs in the Indian occupational army. Indian Government and Sheikh Mujeeb would have liked to delay the withdrawal of Indian Army but public resentment forced the same by March 72. The Indian dream of maintaining permanent military presence in Bangladesh, thus, met with an early and sordid end.

If there is no love lost between Indian and the Bangladeshi Army the relations between BSF and BDR have remained on the edge in the manner of sworn enemies at the best of times. BDR is the custodian of Bangladesh’s 4894 KM long border with India which runs along five Indian states including four in India’s troubled North East. Contentious claims over the enclaves caused by meandering boundary, construction of Indian defence works within 150 yards of the border, infiltration of agents under the cover of fire provided by the BSF, killing of innocent civilians by BSF, discharge of toxic industrial waste into Bangladeshi territory and firing on developmental works by Bangladesh inside its borders are the persistent irritants that keep BDR in an eyeball to eyeball confrontation with its Indian counterparts. It is a measure of the Indian trigger-happiness that the BSF has killed more than 700 and injured 800 Bangladeshis between January 1, 2000 and January 31, 2009. It is to BDR’s credit that it has stood its ground while responding to the hegemonic and offensive Indian tactics. It earned an abiding hatred of Indian military establishment when on April 18, 2001, 16 BSF jawans were shot by the BDR during a border skirmish.

India, through a master stroke, has landed a crippling blow on the working bonhomie that has traditionally bound Bangladesh Army and the BDR. It will take a long time to heal the wounds caused by the merciless slaughtering of scores of Army officers at the BDR headquarters and the Army leadership will have to maintain a level head to begin a process of healing Army’s wounded pride and espirt de corps. To avert a catastrophe-in-waiting it is essential to objectively identify the hands that made the execution of this conspiracy possible. It will also be appropriate for the Bangladeshi authorities to take notice of the slandering campaign in some leading Indian newspapers which call into question the institutional obedience and discipline of the Bangladesh Army and its paramilitary forces and their penetration by terrorist organizations. Disinformation campaign concerning the rampant corruption among the Army officers that became a source of friction with the BDR is in full swing as well to further deepen the chasm that has opened up among the sister organizations.

The eruption of violence at such a large scale in the Bangladesh Capital has left the two months old democratic regime highly vulnerable. These are troubled times and at a larger plane India is seeking to gain a foothold for its military presence in Bangladesh by accentuating the prevailing fears and rage within the incumbent Government and the Army. Indian Foreign Minister has already made offers of providing required funds to Bangladesh for the BDR and of whatever additional assistance is required by Bangladesh to normalize the situation. Indian media is also talking of the regional implications of the fallout from mutiny. With India raking trouble and the internal dissensions getting accentuated; to analysts the situation in Bangladesh is reminiscent of 1971.