Don’t give terrorists right to veto peace

The dastardly terror strike in Pune is a brazen attempt to sabotage resumption of dialogue between India and Pakistan and the Hockey World Cup commencing in the capital later this month.

It’s no coincidence that every time the two countries appear to begin traversing the tortuous road to peace, there is a terror strike.

It’s also no secret that attempts are now underway to sabotage
major international sporting events being held in the country. Terrorists realise that they do not really have to strike at the venue.

All they have to do is strike at a prominent place — usually one that involves foreigners. Such an attack scares off foreign teams.

Some countries, especially from the West, are already apprehensive about playing in India. The British pulling out of the World Badminton Championship in Hyderabad last year is a case in point. Some countries have already raised fears about the security to be provided for the Commonwealth Games to be held later in the capital this year.

While it is for the government to address their fears and provide the kind of security that is needed for an international event, civil society and sports fans must also assert themselves.

Two days ago, Mumbaikars did themselves and the country proud by turning up in thousands to watch the movie of their choice despite Shiv Sena’s threats. Like the brave Mumbaikars, fans in and round Delhi must turn up in thousands to watch all the matches of the Hockey World Cup.

Sometimes it is important to stand up and be counted and to show the flag. It’s important to deliver the message that neither the lunatic fringe in the country nor terrorists from abroad can cow us down.

That is why I feel it would be wrong to call off the talks with Pakistan. Calling off the talks would mean that we are allowing the terrorists a veto power. We must go ahead with the talks only to let Pakistan know that there can be no peace between our countries if terror continues.