Quote:Non-State Action & the Indian Patriotic League
Sandhya Jain
26 Jan 2010
On Jan. 23, the Pakistan Election Commission cancelled the visit of a delegation to New Delhi in a sign that Islamabad intends to escalate the ââ¬ËCricket Rowââ¬â¢ in which all 11 Pakistani cricket players in the IPL-3 auction of Jan. 19 were quietly boycotted. Pakistan Chief Election Commissioner Justice Hamid Ali Mirza and his delegation were to join the Election Commission of Indiaââ¬â¢s diamond jubilee celebrations.
It is a calibrated retaliatory measure. On Jan. 21, the Pakistan Kabbadi Federation decided not to send its team for five matches in India ââ¬Åbecause we feel bad for the way the Indians treated our (cricket) players,ââ¬Â secretary Muhammad Sarwar stated candidly.
The same day, a trip by Parliamentarians was also cancelled, and former cricketer Zaheer Abbas demanded Pakistan withdraw from the hockey World Cup in India to protest its ââ¬Ëhumiliationââ¬â¢ at the IPL auction. For now, however, Sports Minister Ijaz Jhakrani has said the hockey team would participate in next monthââ¬â¢s World Cup in New Delhi as ââ¬ÅThe only way to answer India is to go and compete in the hockey World Cup and win it.ââ¬Â Jhakrani also appealed to Pakistan's cable television stations to not show any IPL matches.
Pakistan, currently the reigning Twenty20 world champion, is understandably rattled by this unprecedented and utterly unexpected Non-State Action by Corporate India. Some Pakistani guests at the ââ¬ËAman ki Asha, Roadmap to Peaceââ¬â¢ jamboree recently held in the capital made their way to the literary festival in Jaipur where they predictably found support amongst the rootless anti-Hindu Indian delegates who tend to over-populate such gatherings. It is to be hoped that their collective health benefitted from the mutual venting of steam against official and corporate India.
For the rest of us, it may be instructive to understand what happened, the reasons why, and the motivations behind the divergent reactions of the two nations.
ââ¬ËCarry a big stick, and speak softly,ââ¬â¢ said the Chinese sage. In a staggering display of Confucian tactics, corporate India wielded the big stick without opening its mouth! Kautilya would have been proud of these Non-State Actors (yes, two can play the game, and how!).
Pakistan has always treated cricket in the sub-continent as war by other means. Pakistani players used to pressure the Indian team with their Islamic unity so much that India for years had a problem winning against Islamabad. President Gen. Mohammad Zia-ul-Haq forced a reluctant India to invite him to Jaipur to witness the India-Pakistan test match there; a move that put Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi completely on the back foot. The spectacle of Pakistani flags fluttering in Muslim localities in Kashmir and Mumbai during cricket matches was something independent India was forced to take in its stride, until the lengthening shadow of Jihad began to eclipse the proverbial Hindu tolerance.
Mumbai 2008 proved to be the last straw that broke the camelââ¬â¢s back.
For all its scale and sheer audacity, the Mumbai fidayeen mini-war on India could well have been just another ugly jihadi assault, like the serial bomb blasts of January 1993 or the serial train blasts of July 2006.
But this was the first time that corporate, secular, well-heeled India was a target, at the famous Taj and Trident hotels. This class, which cut a sorry figure on television, bawling that the Taj was not just a hotel but a second home (whatever that means), could well have vented its steam and gone back to business-as-usual, because this is the class that has tried to benefit from fatuous government-sponsored initiatives called people-to-people contact, a narcissistic belief that a relationship between nations can be divorced from political ethics.
A denouement was inevitable; Mumbai 2008 helped them wake up and smell the coffee.
Ironically, it was the attack on the common manââ¬â¢s junction ââ¬â Victoria Terminus ââ¬â that really prompted the awakening.
It was here that Ajmal Amir Kasab was caught on camera splaying bullets from a Kalashnikov on an unwary citizenry, a fiendish smile on his lips. Kasab was later captured alive by assistant sub-inspector Tukaram Omble, who sacrificed his life to make the arrest possible. And it was this act of supreme valour that enabled India to bring Pakistan to the bar of international diplomacy and international public opinion by putting Kasab on trial, providing him free legal assistance, and refusing to rush the pace of the trial under pressure of its own domestic public opinion.
Special judge ML Tahaliyani has conducted the Ajmal Kasab with judicial gravitas, despite immense provocation from the accused, who has thrown all kinds of tantrums during the trial. This has crystallised public opinion in India, across class lines, against Islamic Jihad waged by the ISI. The accidental or coincidental revelations about the forays of David Headley (Daood Gilani) and Tahawwur Hussain Rana in Mumbai and other Indian cities, and particularly the ease with which they penetrated well-heeled circles, would have sent a frisson of fear among the Mumbai glitterati.
These real spectres would have forced Corporate Mumbai to think deeply and collectively, and independently of Nehruvian New Delhi, which has since independence been hostile to the idea of a civilisational Indian entity.
Yet the continuing saga of jihad in India, particularly in Mumbai, where terrorists can be closer than one can imagine, has forced Corporate India to realise that if Pakistan is officially and innately Islamic, then India must necessarily be a Hindu India.
It is still only partially realised that no monotheistic tradition, whether Islamic or Christian (or Judaic for that matter), can countenance the survival (much less the thriving) of a non-monotheistic society. Secular rhetoric notwithstanding, this is an increasingly religion-driven world; either a nation has a religio-cultural-civilisational core, or it has nothing and ceases to exist. The Sanatana Dharma has ever been Indiaââ¬â¢s foundational ethos, and India will be a Hindu Rashtra when she acknowledges this Truth and a Default Hindu Nation when she suppresses this reality.
Islamabad rightly perceives Secular India as a Default Hindu Nation, and is therefore its declared enemy.
Corporate India has come to terms with this Pakistani perception. It has forced itself out of an induced Nehruvian slumber (perhaps after another 60 years some yeomanââ¬â¢s diary will tell us that Nehru never trusted Jinnah, Mountbatten or Sheikh Abdullah!) and undertaken some firm and quiet diplomacy ââ¬â very likely keeping government in the picture ââ¬â and taken the world by storm.
Shock and awe, Indian-style! A rich manââ¬â¢s Nandigram!
Islamabad is rightly insulted; it was meant to be insulted. As External Affairs Minister SM Krishna advised, Pakistan should ââ¬Åintrospect on the reasonsââ¬Â for strain in bilateral ties.
More pertinently, however, New Delhi should introspect about the very purpose of a ââ¬Ëpeace processââ¬â¢, much less a Track II diplomacy, when there is no scope for peace without the most horrendous surrender of huge swathes of territory to Pakistan, for no sound political reason.
Already we are the ONLY nation in the world which won a war ââ¬â 1947-48 ââ¬â and lost territory in the ceasefire that followed! The continued desire of MI6 and now the CIA to dismember India into manageable estates easy to plunder can hardly be the blueprint for the elected Government of India, especially not when the people of India are waking up to the costs of secularism and the absence of a civilisational nationhood.
As Islamabad threatens to freeze contacts until New Delhi makes ââ¬Ëamends,ââ¬â¢ Dr Manmohan Singh needs to realise that the people of India have voted against soft-peddling with Pakistan to accommodate American geo-strategic objectives in the region. Ham-handed attempts to browbeat corporate India could topple the regime; it would be wiser to see virtue in
nationalism. Domestically, he must start talking tough to the recalcitrant elements in Kashmir. We have had enough of the mindless shedding of Hindu blood.
Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray on Saturday said Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan deserves Pakistan's highest civilian award, the Nishaan-E-Pakistan, for supporting the inclusion of Pakistani cricketers in the IPL.
In a scathing editorial in Saturday's party mouthpiece Saamna, Thackeray said that the "Khan" inside Shah Rukh Khan must be crushed by the "Har Har Mahadev" war cry of the "Shivaji" inside the Hindus.
This was an oblique reference to Chhatrapati Shivaji's killing of Bijapur general Afzal Khan, sent by Sultan Adil Shah II of Bijapur in 1659, at Pratapgad in Satara district of western Maharashtra.
The Shiv Sena hit out at Shah Rukh Khan, also the Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner, after he said he would have picked a Pakistani player for the Indian Premier League matches if his team had a slot.
IPL franchise owners did not bid for Pakistani players during the auction for the IPL III, which has snowballed into a major spat between the two countries.
The editorial said that if "Shah Rukh wants to give a red carpet treatment to Pakistani cricketers on the blood of innocent Indians slain by Pakistani terrorists from Kashmir to Mumbai", then, Thackeray warned, the Shiv Sena will never permit it.
It pointed out that by supporting the cause of Pakistani players, Shah Rukh has insulted the memory of the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks - for which Pakistan may confer the Nishaan-E-Pakistan - but Indians will spit on him.
The editorial further noted that nobody from the Congress has raised a voice against Shah Rukh since he is considered close to Sonia Gandhi.
Thackeray wrote in his article that "since SRK has so much love for the Pakistanis the Bollywood actor could appoint 26/11 terror accused Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab as the captain of his Kolkata Knight Riders team and Mohammed Afzal Guru (facing death penalty for the 2001 attack on parliament) as the vice captain in the forthcoming IPL matches".
In this context, Thackeray praised Amitabh Bachchan for rejecting a doctorate awarded by Queensland's Brisbane University, to protest the attacks on Indians in Australia.
"This is true love for our country," he said.
In a related development, Congress state spokesman Hussain Dalwai wrote to state Home Minister R.R. Patil demanding security for Shah Rukh's forthcoming release "My Name Is Khan".
Dalwai also urged Patil to ensure that those police officers who cannot prevent violence or disruption of the movie within their respective jurisdiction must be suspended.
Former chief minister and union Minister for Heavy Industries Vilasrao Deshmukh Saturday criticized the Sena for its stand on Shah Rukh.
In 2004, as the first renewed signs of terrorism started affecting France - the French reacted by putting the entire 40,000 strong Pakistani community under the scanner:
"France wary of its Pakistani community - PARIS, Aug 8 (AFP) - The Pakistani community in France and elsewhere in Europe is now, more than ever, being watched by intelligence services concerned about its role as a breeding ground for Islamic extremism that could give rise to attacks like those seen in London last month, French experts say. The daily Le Figaro said....the report by the DCRG intelligence agency also highlighted the need to closely observe France's 40,000-strong Pakistani community with a view to preventing an attack on French soil".
Please note that the French did not worry about fake distinctions between extremists and ordinary Pakistanis. The Americans recently did the same - they now mete out special pat-downs, luggage checks and security checks for Pakistanis (and visitors from 13 other countries).
Why did the French and Americans not make distinctions between ordinary Pakistanis and terrorists?
Perhaps, just perhaps, because these countries do not think that it is possible to make such a distinction.
On the other hand, we Indians, who have been constantly at the receiving end of deadly terrorism, sponsored and largely supported by Pakistani society and state - feel the need to flagellate ourselves with "we are the same onlee, they are just like us - only the right wingers cause problems," and other such forms of politically correct nonsense.
But is there any real asha for aman?
While we needlessly open up money-making opportunities for Pakistani businessmen, terrorists and artists in the misplaced hope of Aman - Pakistanis have been responding with gusto with what they do well:
First, let's take the Sohail Tanveer example - and the non-reaction to it, at least. As far as we know, neither has the Pakistan Cricket Board reacted to Sohail's vulgar display of bigotry - nor has their media reacted to this racially tinged journalism. But, first the story in the words of Tapan Joshi of the Ahmedabad Mirror:
"To give you an example, three highly reputed Pakistanis vented vitriolic religious hatred on air describing India post IPL snub. In a TV show hosted by a lady named Farah - Pakistan's highest paid anchor - the guests were paceman Sohail Tanvir and a journalist named Zahid Farooq Malik. Now, Tanvir became famous, and rich, only after his exploits for Rajasthan Royals in the first edition of the IPL. And here he was, saying on air, "Hinduon ki zahaniyat hi aisi hai (the Hindu nature is like that only)" while describing the IPL snub.
So here's a cricketer who's driving a car and living in a house bought out of money he earned from IPL I, and he's unabashedly bringing in religion in the whole issue.
The journalist sitting next to Tanvir then calls Indians `baniyas' and goes on to say, `Unki bagal mein chhuri hain aur muh par Ram Ram' even as Farah smiled demurely.
The discussion then takes a ridiculous course, with the journalist saying 'Hindus' - not Indians - are responsible for Pakistan not hosting matches in 2011 World Cup.'
As mentioned - there was very little condemnation of this event. Can you imagine an Indian cricketer making such inane remarks about all Muslims and getting away with it? BCCI and the media would have forced him out - and rightfully so. If you think this is a solitary example of bad behavior - I'll be happy to walk you through the example of Lahore lawyers threatening to burn anyone who fights the case of a 12-year-old Christian girl murdered by the ex-head of the Bar association.
And the mainstream media in Pakistan accepts this as regular behaviour. The rub is not that such criminal behaviour happens - whether that of Sohail Tanveer or that against the 12-year-old Christian girl (it happens in all countries) - but that the entire country, its institutions and its media find nothing wrong with it.
So, what expectations did we Indians have for this Aman Ki Asha? Did we expect that Pakistanis would reduce terrorism against India? Or did we expect peace?
Pakistanis clearly do not seem to have the same expectations.
[size="6"]'This is Radio Pakistan from New Delhi'[/size]
Perhaps one of the most popular TV shows in Pakistan features Zaid Hamid, a rabid India-baiter. His favourite dream, according to his own words: 'Inshallah one day you will hear this... This is Radio Pakistan from New Delhi.'
The popularity of this show and this media-sponsored vision of India-Pakistani relations can be judged online as well as from the responses to the show - just do a Google - you'll get my point.
But, this stated goal of the invasion of India is not new or different - Hafeez Sayeed of the LeT has articulated the same wet dream of flying the Pakistani flag on Red Fort. The broader theme of using terrorists against India, has been used by well known Pakistani media and analysts, fairly regularly.
More recently - after more than a month of this 'Aman Ki Aasha' jamboree - the Pakistanis announced their version of a solidarity event. The Jamaat-ud-Dawaa, the front group of the LeT, held a public conference of 12 uber-terrorist groups in Muzaffarabad that specialize in killing Indian civilians.
'According to Pakistani media reports, JuD chief Hafiz Mohammad Saeed, Hizbul Mujahideen commander Syed Salahuddin, Jamaat leader Abdul Rehman Makki and former ISI chief Hamid Gul attended the terror meet. At least 12 terror groups participated, according to reports from Pakistan. The militants' leaders reportedly agreed to support the jihadi cause in Kashmir. They also concluded that any dialogue with the Indian government on Kashmir issue would be futile and jihad is the only option left to attain freedom'. (Asian Tribune, February 5)
So, the perpetrators of 26/11 were openly getting together within Pakistani territory and declaring war on India and Indians - all in the middle of 'Aman Ki Aasha' fest that we were perpetrating primarily on ourselves. Now if you think that the people of Pakistan had nothing to do with this well-attended terrorist convention, let's look at some facts:
'Why should we worry about India?' former ISI chief Hamid Gul asked Times Now, admitting the Pakistani Government was 'aware of the conference', but of course did nothing to stop or even condemn it. 'If India feels unhappy about it, let them. It's high time that India feels unhappy,' he declared.
Quote:The journalist sitting next to Tanvir then calls Indians `baniyas' and goes on to say, `Unki bagal mein chhuri hain aur muh par Ram Ram' even as Farah smiled demurely.
The discussion then takes a ridiculous course, with the journalist saying 'Hindus' - not Indians - are responsible for Pakistan not hosting matches in 2011 World Cup.'
And that is the reality people like Ketan Shah try to wish away.
No matter how much they try to win certificates of tolerance from the commies & assorted drohi's by talking of some vague secular Indian nationalism the Pakis know better and in their minds India = Hindu.
" Pakistan has everything that gives you an international migraine. It has nuclear weapons, it has terrorism, extremists... " Madeline Albright, Oct. 2008
" Let me be very clear. Today, virtually every major terrorist threat that my agency is aware of has threads back to the tribal areas " Michael Hayden, Director, CIA
" Afghan Taliban and pro-Taliban groups in Pakistan have links to the increasingly active core-structure of Al Qaeda that is currently based in the Pashtun tribal areas in western Pakistan. " Terrorism Situation and Trend Report-2008 by Europol
" Unfortunately, our recognition in the comity of nations today is only as a ô breeding ground ô for religious extremism and militancy and as a country afflicted with a culture of violence and sectarianism. " Shamshad Ahmed, ex-Foreign Secretary, Pakistan
" All terrorist networks have safe haven in Pakistan - US Defence secretary Robert Gates, " Press Trust of India Mar 2, 2009
" Why is it that all terrorist plots ââ¬â from the Sept. 11 attacks, to Madrid, to London, to Mumbai ââ¬â seem to have roots in Islamabad? " Ms. Benazir Bhutto, Washington Post
" We all know the epicentre of terrorism in the world today is Pakistan. The world community has to come to grips with this harsh reality.ââ¬Â Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
" ...if Islamabad is ââ¬Ëunable or unwillingââ¬â¢ to take militants out, then the US should go after the targets into Pakistan. " Barack Obama, Sep. 2008
75 per cent of terrorist plots investigated by Britain have links to Pakistan - Gordan Brown (Dailymail.co.UK 15 DEC 2008)
Pakistanôs new name is Beggistan
National animal: woman
National sport: terrorism
Jinnahôs new name: Beggar-e-Azam
Extra curricular activities: crying "Islam is In danger "
What was the "real" reason Pakistan players were not picked up? If GoI did not create Visa issues, why would IPL ignore them?
[/quote]
It is their own doing, kartoot. In IPL-2 Pak players were selected, but they were not allowed to play by their govt. They became an unreliable bunch, and the teams were reluctant to pick them due to this.
Then it was felt that since a strong politician like Rane had mooted the concept, it will see through, however, a final order for providing tax on IPL matches was not taken since the minutes of the cabinet meeting were not confirmed.
ââ¬Ëââ¬ËWe felt that Rane will not succumb to NCPââ¬â¢s pressure, however it appears that the proposal was abandoned for obvious political reasons,ââ¬â¢Ã¢â¬â¢ he said. Leader of opposition Eknath Khadse came down heavily on the government for its failure to levy entertainment tax on IPL.
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