Blasts In Hindu Temples in India

[Guest]

<b>VARANASI BLASTS: THE UNENDING SAGA OF TERROR</b> by Swati Parashar <!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->Is the Indian counter-terrorism strategy rendered completely ineffectual? Is the Indian pride in claiming that Indian Muslims have not been a part of the Al Qaeda movement, nor have participated in jihad anywhere in the world, misplaced? Is democracy truly the panacea to terrorism? If terrorism is an act perpetrated by those who have real or perceived grievances against the state, it is inevitable that only democracies can articulate these grievances and allow for dissenting voices and spaces. <b>Has the democratic, secular and resilient Indian state failed its own people?</b> Why does India seem like a soft state, an easy target for terrorists out to destroy the secular fabric of the country? What is it that we lack in responding to terrorism when we keep claiming ours is a more inclusive and comprehensive, proactive strategy to deal with terrorism as against the reactive and militarised counter-terrorism policies of the United States and its allies, who have clearly been successful in containing terrorism in their territories?<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->