Well apparently every militant group whether it is a Hindu nationalist outfit, a Muslim extremist organisation or a Kool-aid nutter suffering from a Saviour complex in the remote regions of Texas, want to protect the honour of their women and save their children.
In justification of the recent massacre in Mumbai, the Deccan Mujahidin who has links to the Indian Mujahidin, posted this to the press: “You threatened to murder them and your mischief went to such an extent that you even dared to abuse and insult Maulana Mahmood-ul-Hasan Qasmi and even misbehaved with the Muslim women and children there.” This ofcourse is the big lie. If one was truly concerned about women and children, then one would think twice about entering the crowded train terminal at Chhatrapathi Shivaji, where women and children are likely to be boarding trains, and opening fire indiscriminately with an automatic weapon. The second big lie is protecting the honour of one’s own community. I can only surmise the perpetrators are not blessed with the power of deduction. About two years ago, I walked along the shaded rows of touristy shops between Nariman Point and Churchgate. The bulk of these shops are operated by Muslims, doing brisk business in Kashmiri carpets, gemstones, silks and sweetmeats. The first impact of these blasts will be a threat to the livelihoods of these shop-keepers. So infact ironically one has assaulted one’s own community instead of protecting it. The third big lie ofcourse is the Angry Young Muslim Man. Much has been made of anger on the “Arab street,” which stems from dictatorial regimes in countries such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt, the inherent poverty in countries like Pakistan, Jordan and Algeria, and the injury and injustice of America’s unconditional support for Israel. Infact in some quarters this anger is seen as justification for the acts of terrorism carried out in its name. Except ofcourse the Indian Muslim is the product of a secular democracy where he has every opportunity to rise above his circumstance. Yet, obviously he’s not immune to Islamist extremism and the desire to engage in a “Far Jehad,” allegedly taking up arms in defence of the Muslim brotherhood in far off countries. There is no justification for the attacks of November 26th. India’s Muslim militants have done grave injustice to their community and country. Even though they don’t speak for the 13% of India’s Muslims, they have created a rift within Indian society whereby Muslim allegiance to India and India’s interests will come increasingly under the scanner. One can almost hear the ghost of Veer Savarkar rising to talk of Muslim loyalties lying elsewhere. And that sadly is the greatest tragedy of all. selma
