One thing is clear after Wednesday night’s terrorist attacks in Mumbai — we have no choice now but to wage a full-scale war against terrorism of our own, like the one fought by the United States of America. It is no plain luck that the US has not witnessed a single terrorist attack on its soil after 9/11. Their political parties were united in their resolve to fight terrorism, the media gave full support and above all, US citizens of all classes and religions regarded terrorists as their common enemy. In the wake of an unprecedented attack on 9/11, American retaliation and security beef-up was equally unprecedented. We now need a similar mindset.

This is no time for cynicism and for pointing fingers at individual governments and political parties. Terrorism is our biggest national crisis today and fighting it demands national unity at the highest level. In any case, no political party can guarantee a straightforward solution. This year alone, terrorist attacks have taken place in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi and Karnataka, all states ruled by different parties.

The latest terrorist attacks have clearly targeted the symbols of India’s high-growth economy and its growing international status. By purposely targeting foreigners at five-star hotels, terrorists have tried to send a message to the outside world —that when it comes to doing business, India is as unsafe a destination as Pakistan. Pakistan’s economy is in shambles because of repeated terrorist attacks. No company wants to go to Pakistan today and nobody is willing to invest there. The primary motive behind Wednesday’s terror attacks is to hurt India’s economic progress and force the Indian businesses’ inclusion in the dreaded “orange list” of companies, which are located in volatile zones and are unsafe to do business with.

... contd.