FIGHT TERRORISM

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India must take a cue from the US and frame strict laws to fight terrorism, The outcry by politicians and media over Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan's 66-minute detention at the Newark airport in New Jersey is indeed an overreaction. Khan was detained by a US immigration officer as name similar to his name came up on a computer alert list with the United States' security agencies. One must not forget that terrorism is a global threat and America, post 9/11, has aggressively mobilised its defenses at home. This is the reason that not even a single terror attack has taken place thereafter. Khan and other VIPs should in no manner construe security measures as racial profiling or humiliation of any kind as every country has its set of security regulations which need to be abided by its own citizens as well as people visiting from other countries. Similarly, the US has its laws in place regarding terrorism. All its citizens willingly comply with these laws as they understand that their safety, security and lives depend on their compliance. Recently, actor Irrfan Khan came out in public and complained that he too was questioned not once but twice. Indian actors, cricketers, industrialists and other VIPs should not expect to be recognised in other countries and make unreasonable demand of 'special' treatment. Unlike the US, India continues to be a victim of repeated terror attacks. But in India a VIP syndrome has developed which compromises the fight against terrorism. Many persons have begun to demand special treatment and VIP status disregarding the serious concerns about terrorism. But Mr Robert Vadra has been exempted from frisking. Instances of intolerance of Parliamentarians and others in dealing with public servants have also come to light and there have been cases of public servants having been slapped. The demand for VIP status has led to the addition of many unauthorised persons to those who are protected by the Government. Such protection must be confined to those facing a genuine threat. Those who advocate the 'aam admi' should live by the same standards. In a democracy all citizens are equal and it is not proper for some to demand special treatment. There is no need to make a song and dance about Shah Rukh Khan's security check. When former President APJ Abdul Kalam was frisked at IGI Airport in New Delhi, he did not make a fuss rather gracefully complied. It was others who raised the issue. There has been no let up in terrorist activity in the country in the last several years and they have even dared to attack India's Parliament. The worst attack in recent years took place on 26/11 in Mumbai. Though the Ram Pradhan Inquiry committee report has not yet been tabled in the Maharashtra Assembly, some facts about terrorist activity in India are clear. With funds from foreign sources funding terrorist activity, there are aspects that require a thorough investigation. India must take a cue from the US and frame strict laws to fight terrorism and ensure effective intelligence-gathering. It must not hesitate to interrogate suspected terrorists and foreigners. Security checks must be enforced strictly. The Government must apply the rules and regulations made to fight terrorism to all citizens uniformly and the VIP culture must be given the go-by. There must be no laxity in the fight against terrorism. This is not a matter for promoting personal egos.

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