Atrocity in Mumbai

      The latest attack on Mumbai was the most chilling. It showed the world what havoc and devastation, a handful of determined and demented terrorists can wreak. This metropolis of 18-20 million people and a magnet for visitors, has suffered at least half-a dozen attacks in the last few years. The one in 2001 on the Indian parliament, almost led to war. Nothing would please these jihadists more.

     This particular attack was meticullously planned and executed. Reports have indicated that much information has been gained from the lone terrorist who was captured, talking of training in mountain camps in Pakistan-administered  Kashmir, travelling to Rawalpindi  ( where they were briefed ), and then to Karachi and boarding a chartered merchant ship and headed to Mumbai, of hijacking a local fishing boat and using inflatable speed boats to get to Mumbai. The locations for staging the attacks were well scouted and they were to make each bullet count, so they can slaughter as many civilians as possible. They were given false names and discouraged from interacting with each other.

      Who was the mastermind? And what was to be gained ? The claims of the Deccan Mujaheedeen, seems far-fetched, as they seem to have materialised out nowhere. The detailed planning, the advanced training and the difficulty of launching such a complex operation, call for a well-entrenched, experienced and sophisticated organisation. Lashkar-e Taiba, the creation of the Pakistani intelligence servicre ( ISI ), is such an organisation. Even the ISI is not above suspicion, ( even though the Pakistani gov't, has condemned the attack ). The ISI has operated with impunity and the Pakistani gov't, has little contrl over it. This is especially true with the civilian gov't of today, which has attempted to bring about some changes. Rogues elements may see this as a threat to their power and existence.

      Mumbai is India's financial centre. It is a haven for tourists. Tourism employs millions. It is also the home of Bollywood, employing millions and attracting millions. Crippling India's economy may have been one of the reasons for the attack. The targeting of the Taj and the Oberoi hotels, the railway station, the  Jewish centre etc. were not accidental. The message would be clear to tourists, to business investors, to the world. Stay away.

      Peace talks have been going on between India and Pakistan since 2004 and seem to be going well. Sabotage of these peace talks, could be another reason. ISI and Lashkar-e Taiba would become redundant if peace or any amelioration of condition takes place. They have much invested in this conflict and have no desire to see progress. There is also jealousy involved. India has prospered while Pakistan has stagnated, There are elements who cannot stomach this.

      The targeting of Americans, Brits and Israelis, point to jihadists. This is where al Qeeda comes in. They thrive on hate and upheavals. They would see their recruitmet of the disaffected and disillusioned alarmingly drop off. They will no longer be able to use religious jingoism as their lure, if India and Pakistan reach a detente. They need continued instability. Linking India with the USA, Britain and Israel would serve their purpose well.