Terror strike an attack on sovereignty

The Urdu press has likened the terror strike to an attack on India’s sovereignty. Through analytical pieces and editorials in the last few days, the Urdu dailies have told its readers to reiterate the resolve to protect India’s integrity and its celebrated pluralism. Urdu commentators have also reminded Muslims of their duty to join the war against terrorism. In its editorial titled “Dahshatgardi ke khilaf ekjahti (unity against terrorism)”, Mumbai’s leading Urdu daily The Inquilab (November 28) called upon all Indians, especially political parties, to rise above ideological and political differences “in this moment of grief and join hands to defeat terrorism”. “Unless we are united, the evil forces of terrorism cannot be defeated,’’ said the editorial. The paper also attacked some politicians who were “trying to win brownie points at a time when they should sink their differences and stop doing politics over the deaths of innocents”.Many Urdu commentators have used the opportunity to remind Muslims of their sacrifices in liberating India and their duty to protect its unity and integrity. In his piece titled “Musalmano ki bhi zimmedariyan hain’’ (Even Muslims have their responsibilities)” in the Urdu Times (November 28), Farooque Ansari said the country once again needed Muslims’ unflinching support in the fight against terrorism. “The country is facing an unprecedented challenge. Its commercial capital, Mumbai, is a constant target. Muslims must rise to the occasion and prove they are next to none when it comes to offer sacrifices for the country,’’ wrote Ansari. Another Urdu columnist, Zafar Agha, said though the terror attack in Mumbai had shaken every Indian, they also raised concerns of a backlash. “Nobody is more worried after the terror attacks in Mumbai than the Indian Muslims. Muslims’ fear that the communal forces may cash in on the situation for political gains is real,’’ Agha wrote in The Inquilab. The Urdu press has also criticised the “attempt to hit at the heart of India’s economy”. “Mumbai is the pillar of our economic strength. Mumbaikars have faced the turmoil before. They will tide over the latest crisis too,’’ hoped Rashtriya Sahara. Another condemnation came from physician-Urdu poet Dr Navroze Kotwal in a couplet: “Yun noch noch khana darinda sifat hai kaam/insaan ne kyon mita diya insaaniyat ka naam (The habit of eating bits by bits is a beastly act/Why did the humans erode the name of humanity).’’