Yes, it is the enemies within that are the most dangerous. They open the doors to the enemies outside. The enemies were always there at the very inception of the ‘freedom at midnight’. Now that their plans are getting foiled, they are becoming more and more desperate and frustrated. The recent Delhi blast was, as is evident, a frustrated attempt where very clearly the divine forces and our active vigilance teams averted a much bigger danger that might have unfolded.Β
But while the agencies do their jobs, it is certainly not enough to bring the perpetrators to justice. There are two things that are needed to put an end to the menace. The first and immediate step should be to stop the sprouting of madrasas completely and to close existing ones. These are hubs of radicalisation. The simplest way to do it is to convert them into regular schools where every subject is taught with the usual exams and degrees. Schools should not be a place for religious indoctrination, especially for religions that are not native to the land. Children are most impressionable and if one poisons their minds at a young age, it is difficult to do much later. The same should apply to universities and colleges that proliferate religious teachings through the back door. It is not going to be easy but there is no other simpler solution. Institutionalised, organised Religion and religious teachings that encourage fundamentalism should not be given any place in a nation that claims itself secular.Β
The second thing needed, not less urgently, is the dismantling of Pakistan by whatever means. There is no point in making a distinction between terror groups and the State. Pakistan is itself a terror state. Israel understood this very well. It is time for India to understand and take action. A strong action is needed and not just words that placate.Β
Of course, we as citizens too have a role. The citizens should raise their voices demanding these things. We should be alert and vigilant to notice and report, especially not to take in tenants and workers without proper police verification. We should absolutely stop buying things where the money goes into terrorist activities.Β
That is what we can do. And yes, pray and invoke the Divine Mother, the Shakti of Bharat, to remove the enemies within and outside us.Β
Affectionately,
Alok Da
