Balance in April

While the situation in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq remained on even keel, so to say, in terms of continued acts of violence, the Times Square blast (March 6) in New York, though symbolic, had created some panic. The Lashkar-e-Taiba outfit is believed to have since taken over Dawoods’ infamous ‘D’ Company. The arrest of some senior SIMI (Student Islamic Movement of India) leaders in India has led to unearthing of threatening security scenario on the Islamic fundamentalist front. Air crew failed a terror attack abroad a flight in China. The ETA showed up its head again in Spain. Militants overran some government bases in Somalia. US feels AL Qaeda is working hard to launch an attack in US to keep up its credibility. A report from Peshawar suggests Al Qaeda has been hunting for cyber-savvy jihadis.

The left extremists in India seem to be flush with money. They are reported to have opened their doors to NRIs and foreigners in India to become members. They have adopted a new constitution with greater thrust on armed struggle. They have a budget of Rs.60 crores for arms purchase. Their gaze is now fixed on urban areas, and developing expertise on car-bombs and suicide squad as well. The law-enforcing agencies are also worried with the ‘Naxals’ taking the war to the ‘virtual world’ also. There was a report on attempt at revival of militancy in Punjab. The ULFA in Assam continued their drive against the Hindi speaking people. And, there were indications of terror-build-up, in of all places, ‘Gods’ Own Country’, i.e., the State of Kerala in India.

There were consistent reports on China successfully hacking websites in the US, France, Germany, Britain, Australia, India. Could these be trial runs for cyber attacks? Rumours have robbed UK banks of 100 million pound. Corporate fraud has been rising at an alarming rate in India. With 152 percent rise in attacks on federal government systems during 2007, the US President has announced 10 percent increase in cybersecurity spending for the coming fiscal year, a 73 percent rise since 2004.

China’s incumbent President (Hu Jintao) got a second five year term. Pakistan got a new Prime Minister (Syed Yusuf Gilani). A new President (Ma Ying-jeou) took over in Taiwan.

Let us now see the other side. King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia has called for an all-faith meet. Pope has planned for a Catholic-Muslim joint forum in Vatican. UK has been trying to make use of women power in tackling Islamic terrorism. Two well-known persons in India (Ratan Tata and E. Sreedharan) have initiated a “National Value Inculcation Moment” in order to restore social and cultural values.

What more? The first anti-piracy canine unit has been set up in Malaysia. The CRPF in India has set itself to use satellite power in tackling terrorism. Scientists are now able to ‘map’ terror-minds. Camera can now see through your clothes from as long a distance as 25 meters. You can now have phones tracking the movement of your family. In a batch of 240 sub-inspectors of police in Kerala, there were four MBAs, four MCAs and two holders of M. Phil degrees. As many as 75 of them were post-graduates. No wonder, India has been adjudged the sixth most popular country in the US. ‘Want to know more? Please browse through the General File. Please do not forget to have your last laugh in the Story on Funeral.

D. C. Nath, IPS (Retd.)
Former Special Director, IB (MHA), Govt. of India,
Executive President & CEO,
International Institute of Security and Safety Management,
New Delhi, India.

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