First anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks – never forget and do not forgive

It is ironic and symbiotic that today marks a day of giving thanks in two of the largest democracies of the world – India and the United States.

In India it is the first anniversary of the dastardly and murderous rampage by Pakistan based, aided, and assisted terrorists, that began one year ago at precisely the time this article is being written.

One year on, the nation of India remembers those who fell in those 62 hours. Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan and Havaldar Gajendra Singh, both of the 51 Special Action Group of the NSG; Hemant Karkare, Ashok Kamte, Vijay Salaskar, and 11 of their colleagues from the Mumbai police; and last but not the least, the hundreds of innocent civilians who were slaughtered or grievously wounded.

One year on, Mohammed Ajmal Amīr Kasāb the lone surviving terrorist and the co-perpetrator of the slaughter of 58 civilians at Mumbai CST railway station, is the most protected human being in Mumbai, if not in India.

Over Rs. 31 Crore ($6.6 million) have been spent till date on his protection. This money would have provided 250,000 children meals for an entire year.

One can debate, whether is worth spending all this money to protect and keep alive a man who will eventually, and most deservedly, be hanged? I say no. If his terrorist masters in Pakistan want him dead, and organise a hit on him, that is just great, at least we save the hangman’s fees.

One year on, the puppet civilian Government in Pakistan is still dancing to the tune of the Pakistani Army and its terror abettor the ISI intelligence agency, and has abdicated all sense of propriety and responsibility. The ISI is a known active incubator of terrorism that has now spread across the world.

I can only wonder, what is so special with the water in Pakistan that terrorists keep emanating from there and always go back to spawn more terrorists? Even the 9/11 hijackers killed themselves and never returned to their countries.

Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, Zaki ur Rehman Lakhvi, Maulana Masood Azhar, have been “arrested” by the Pakistan government after mountains of pressure by foreign governments. Forget the seven dossiers of hard evidence and information provided to them by the Indian government, corroborated by the intelligence agencies of the world from the FBI, to Scotland Yard, to Mossad.

The arrests are a joke. The police are providing protection rather than restraining these terrorist leaders allowing them free roam around Pakistan.

I thought Islam forbade the consumption of mind altering substances, but the Pakistan Interior Minister A. Rehman Malik keeps coming up with public statements that would make even the most understanding of humans, wonder what he’s been smoking.

I can sympathise with the Indian government. Going to war with Pakistan is in reality, not an option. India is surrounded by enemies on three sides. From Burma in the east, to China and Nepal in the north, and Pakistan to the Northwest, India is ringed by the Sino-Pakistan clique. The United States with it’s priorities in the AfPak region cannot be relied upon to unconditionally support India, and Europe is too pacifist.

At these times I think of one of the staunchest allies of the US — Israel.

Israel has a strong policy of retaliation for any terrorist attack on it’s soil or it’s citizens. Six Israelis were butchered at Nariman House during 26/11.

Someone needs to remind the government in India of the Israeli response to the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre. It is time to show these terrorists the “Wrath of God” and the “Spring of Youth“.

Instead of spending these huge sums of money and hours of efforts protecting Kasab, on dossiers and international diplomatic efforts, use the money to put a bounty on the heads of these murderers hiding in Pakistan. Use the experience and intelligence of the Israelis. Send in covert hit teams and, in parallel, develop a strong counter-terrorist infrastructure along with a policy of hitting back at the terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.

India is fast embracing amnesia when it comes to 26/11. It is a mental struggle to keep from forgetting and an emotional one to keep from forgiving, but we have to never forget and never forgive.

About Devesh Agarwal

A electronics and automotive product management, marketing and branding expert, he was awarded a silver medal at the Lockheed Martin innovation competition 2010. He is ranked 6th on Mashable's list of aviation pros on Twitter and in addition to Bangalore Aviation, he has contributed to leading publications like Aviation Week, Conde Nast Traveller India, The Economic Times, and The Mint (a Wall Street Journal content partner). He remains a frequent flier and shares the good, the bad, and the ugly about the Indian aviation industry without fear or favour.

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