The aftermath of the blasts created a scenario which the vernacular media could have exploited by pursuing a narrow, sectarian outlook and queering the communal pitch. Yet the Urdu print media, as these extracts show, have unanimously — and without qualifications — condemned the blasts as an act against innocent civilians. While praising the spirit of the people of Mumbai, there are calls for the need of a complete and thorough investigation of the tragedy

The national daily Qaumi Awaz (of the National Herald group) in an editorial two days after the blast (July 13) says the throbbing centre of India’s economic and financial activities has since 1993 been the focus of Pakistan-trained jihadis and terrorists. It says the technique and method used to cause the blasts were organised in Mumbai and Srinagar, which also makes clear that the organisation behind the attacks has established a network of “local cells” in many parts of the country. According to the editorial, in Kashmir, the militants tried to attack the Amarnath Yatra to target tourists and also create communal tension and destroy harmony outside the valley. It says what has happened in Mumbai has been aimed at destroying the Indian economic system (ma’ashi nizam) and the self-confidence of Mumbaikars and to provide elements like the Shiv Sena with ammunition.

In its editorial on the same day, the daily Akhbar-e-Mashriq (published from Kolkata and Delhi) has recounted terror attacks over the past decade in various cities in India. It notes the assessment of intelligence agencies that a ‘foreign hand’ is at work. The editorial says terrorists had created a horrendous situation by killing so many people, but it goes on to note with satisfaction that the people of Mumbai kept their peace and rallied to help victims even before the police reached the spot.

... contd.