Beware of the threat within

JAY JOSHI

The recent terrorist attack on Indian army convoy at Pulwama has triggered a wave of sadness and anger across the country. However, with the passage of time, reactions of people online as well as offline seem to be evolving. While calls for a war or a surgical strike on Pakistan were made immediately after the Pulwama incident, the popular mood, took a different stand in the days that followed. 

On one side, the country saluted the brave soldiers who laid down their lives in the attack, and on the other side, the government acted to punish Pakistan using diplomatic tools. But even as the government was asking questions to the neighbouring state, a number of social media accounts were seen posting anti national statements in the light of the attack. Within minutes, Netizens began tagging and reporting such handles, and asking authorities to terminate the employment and register FIR against the persons who had made the comments. Social Media was abuzz with vigilantes identifying handles that could have separatist leanings, and perhaps as a result of this wave, a total of 5000 social media accounts of possible terrorist sympathisers came under scanner from authorities. 

As this development came about, there seemed to be a consensus among citizens that separatists and anti-national elements within Indian borders are the greater threat to the security, stability and unity of our country. This sentiment prevailed across Goa. Expressing her view about the same, Panaji-based archeologist Sawani Shetye stated: “This is indeed a tragic incident, and everyone is feeling sad and angry. However, we cannot just call for a war while sitting in our cozy homes. But yes, the government must do something to retaliate-it could be something other than war or military strike, but some retaliation has to be there”, she shared. 

“Secondly, I believe that the internal threat is bigger than external threat. How was the attacker able to amass so much explosives? Who gave him information regarding the convoy? There has to be local help involved here, and thus, I feel that the government should pay more attention to tackling anti-national elements within Indian borders,” concluded Shetye. 

Siddhesh Desai, a teacher from Ponda also had a suggestion along similar lines. “I feel that the government should form a special wing to keep an eye on anti-national elements within India. It could introduce an app that enables citizens to report suspicious activities or persons,” said Siddhesh. 

Like the rest of the country, Goa also witnessed a number of rallies and candle-marches to pay tribute to the departed soldiers. Vishwanath Nene, a member of Sattari Patrakar Sangh, a union of journalists in Sattari shared: We held a candle-march to show our respect towards our brave soldiers who have been martyred. Journalists across Sattari taluka participated in the event. I personally believe that war alone will not solve the issue. The government has to adopt a two-pronged strategy here: on one side, it should hold talks to elements who can be persuaded to give up terrorism, and on the other side, those elements who do not understand the language of peace should face the required action,” stated Nene. 

Pankaj Kudtarkar, an event-planner from Mapusa is organising a special event to show solidarity with the martyred Jawans and to raise awareness about how the citizens can contribute to the armed forces. “We have invited the secretary of Sainik Welfare, Major (retd) Venugopal Nair. He will be elaborating on how we can help soldiers, and answer questions from people about the armed forces.” 

Kudtarkar stated. “I also feel that we forget such events easily as a populace, and our enemies have been taking disadvantage of this, and of the fact that we do not always respond to such terrorist attacks. We should not forget such things, and the country needs decisive leaders who can retaliate to such acts without succumbing to international pressure, so that our enemies think twice before messing with India.” Further on, Kudtarkar also points at the visits of Pakistani artists, actors and singers to India “We have so many Pakistani artists, actors  and singers coming and performing in India, but when India faces a terror attack like this, not a single Pakistani artist raises their voice. What gives them the right to work and earn in India if they don’t even empathise with us? It is high time we ban Pakistani artists in India” he added.

Apart from the calls for war, demands are also being made for removal of article 370, and identifying and terminating sources of funding to terrorists. The fact that Prime Minister Modi has given a free hand to the troops to retaliate, and that the military is putting all options on the table is being welcomed by many. India it seems has had enough, and wants a permenant solution to the terrorism issue, but what options the country chooses now, is the key question.