WHEN OPINION MATTERS

*The Whistling Brooke

American special envoy Hol Brooke expressed his concern over the growing power of Taliban and its terrorist activities. However, the point he wanted to bring home was the dire need for cooperation between India, Pakistan and US. Unlike most envoys, he didn’t try to promote bilateral talks or soft border theories. His message was loud and clear: the growing demon of terrorism doesn’t affect one nation or one region but spreads like wild fire if left unattended to. Pakistan may have felt the lump in the throat when it was called the breeding ground and the aid provider to Taliban. However, the recent bombings and the miserable state of affairs in the Swat Valley must have shaken it from within and hopefully made it realise that it’s high time to mend its ways lest it shall perish in its self created hell.

*Shoe Sinning India

Are we a nation of suppressed anger, tired eyes, silent frustrations and cheated souls? And we rise once in a while when things are beyond our well stretched bearing point. Jarnail’s Singh’s shoe throwing episode was met with applause by the Sikh community. ‘The message was correct though the manner wasn’t’ was the oft repeated statement on news channels and editorial pages. The anger boiling in the Sikh community has become a threat to the Congress. Tytler’s clean chit has raised a storm in Punjab and many political parties will bank on the popular emotion sweeping the community. However, the biggest concern is the credibility of CBI. The organisation loses its significance and the motive of its existence if the report submitted in Supreme court was influenced by political parties and manipulated in due time. More than Tytler, the CBI is the source of resentment and the officer’s incharge should be dealt with severely if any laxity is detected on their part

*GUINNESS BOOK OF RECORDS

The Liberhan panel shall soon be listed in the book of records for the number of extensions(48) in the release of the inquiry reports. After 16 years of the grave incident of demolition of the Babri Masjod, we still await the report which shall name the culprits followed by the unending trials to bring these wrongdoers to justice . Considering that the miscrent was in his 30's at the time of the incident, we can well add up 16 years(provided the report is published this year) and to this figure if we sum up the time for court proccedings, we shall end up with people who have lived lavish lives and are on their way to the grave. The irony of the whole situation lies in the fact that this commssion was set up to provide prompt result within three months, during the PM Narasimha governemnet. It is not Rs. 8 crore or 16 years but the sheer system of justice which becomes a mockery by the unending delay. Great going Justice Liberhan and congratulations for being eligible for the Guiness book or its lesser known cousin Limca book of records.

*EPICENTRE OF TERROR

The sternness exuded in the tone of our silent PM Dr. Manmohan Singh at the G-20 summit was a pleasant surprise. Branding Pakistan as the breeding ground of terror in the world and demanding accountability for its actions was something the nation looked forward to.Making indirect references or saying banal words shall yield nothing to the nation that has borne innumerable misgivings in the name of peace.Our neighbour has to realise that we are beyond our patience limits and any action to disturb our equilibrium shall be countered with a stern approach.It is really disheartening to see the luke warm response to the 26/11 Mumabi blasts. From denial in playing a role in the terror attack to half hearted acceptance in playing a minor part in the whole plot, all we have witnessed is total apathy to the issue. I hope that our PM makes his stance clearly and volubly at the G 20 and doesn't mince words in describing the miscreants.

*(S)WORDS

Varun Gandhi evokes a sense of anger for this communist remarks coupled with pity for his current situation. BJP members were all festive over the idea of roping in a Gandhi into their party. This surname proved to be a double edged sword whereby, though he made news it was for all the wrong reasons. Many political leaders have been making communist remarks in their speeches and these bitter words have instigated violence. The all confused, totally haywire, absolutely clueless Election Commission has never debarred the candidature of any leader on grounds of communal remarks. Now as the BJP is mincing words while commenting on his speech and the poor soul is trying to portray an innocent face, it’s up to us to decide- can we afford another Babri Masjid violence or can we witness another Godhra Carnage? Communalism is born through words however, like a parasite it survives on life and blood of people like us.