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This is my entry for the contest ending Dec 7th:
TERRORISM and “AAM AADMI”
The recent terror attacks in Mumbai have raised a lot of hue and cry from all quarters. Understandably, the mumbaikars are angry, indignant and thoroughly annoyed with the Government for failing to provide security. It is easy to blame the politicians, the Intelligence services, the police force etc. How far the politicians could have helped in preventing this terrorist act is another question. At best, what we can accuse them of, is their tendency to play the blame game and politicize this issue just to gain votes. Each party accuses the other of inefficiency in handling terrorism.
The main factor underlying all these dastardly acts is MONEY. Why does a young man in his early twenties become a prey to or enticed by a militant group? It is because the militant organization promises to pay a few lakhs of rupees to his family. I read in the newspapers that the arrested criminal Kasav was promised 1.5 lakhs for being a part of the group of attackers. Obviously, coming from a poor peasant family, this amount must have lured him to take up this assignment. But I wonder whether the parents of any militant are willing to sacrifice their son’s life for a few lakhs of rupees. If so, they must be really inhuman. We are often told that militants are a highly motivated lot. but what is the motivation? May be the leaders of the militant outfits have a specific purpose but for the field workers like Kasav, it could only be money and nothing else. What appalls me is his declaration that he has no regrets.
Whoever indulges in clandestine sale of arms and ammunition to the terrorists, preparation of fake passports and ID cards – they all do it for huge sums of money.
But have we ever paused to think what we , the individual citizens can do in our own small way to help the Government? We all have to be alert and keep our eyes and ears open when we see strangers or strange objects in our locality. For instance, a shop keeper in Mumbai in Colaba area has said that he sold Rs.50,000 worth of provisions to the militants. Of course he didn’t know they were terrorists at that time but he should have suspected that something is fishy when someone purchases provisions for such a large amount. and reported to the local police. For day to day usage or even for a wedding for that matter, no one needs that much of provisions. I am sure they must have bought an unusual quantity of almonds and other dry fruits for sustenance. Instead of being just happy about the huge profit he would have earned, he should have alerted the police. Similarly, very often, the militants rent houses or apartments ,mostly in suburban areas. If they are willing to pay exorbitant rents, again that should make the owners suspicious. They should refuse to let out the house or flat instead of being greedy and also inform the police.
Some TV channels encourage citizen journalists. I think we should have citizen surveillance units as it were, to assist the Government.
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Originally Posted by Manish 
