By P Mohan Chandran
In the diverse tapestry of Indian history, the decade spanning from 2004 to 2014 remains one of its most turbulent periods. The country's tryst with terror reached a peak, with a series of bombings shaking its core. But has the situation really changed post-2014? Let's delve deep and unearth the ground realities.
2004 – 2014: A Decade of Unprecedented Terror
The era formally began with Atal Bihari Vajpayee's government stepping down in May 2004, ushering in the Congress-led UPA government with Dr. Manmohan Singh as the Prime Minister.
In the ensuing ten years, India's heart bled more times than its citizens would like to remember:
2004: The peace of Assam's Dhimji School was shattered with a bomb blast, leaving 18 dead and 40 wounded.
2005: Tragedies struck Ayodhya's Ram Janmabhoomi, Jaunpur's Shramjeevi Express train, and even Delhi's bustling areas like Govindpuri and Sarojini Nagar. In total, over 89 lives were lost in these attacks.
2006: The revered Sankatmochan Temple in Varanasi saw a devastating blast, claiming 28 lives, while Mumbai's local trains witnessed a staggering 209 casualties in another act of terror.
2007: From the Samjhauta Express incident to the Mecca Masjid of Hyderabad and Ludhiana theatre blast, the horrors seemed never-ending.
2008: This year witnessed a surge in attacks, from the busy bazaars of Jaipur to the bustling streets of Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Delhi. But the most chilling of them all was the Mumbai attack, which claimed 166 innocent lives.
2009-2014: Pune's German Bakery, Guwahati, Bodh Gaya in Bihar, and Modi's rally in Patna were some of the major sites that bore witness to the terror during these years.
The list is painstakingly long, and with each incident, the nation mourned. But was the security apparatus asleep?
The Batla House encounter was a testament to the challenges faced by the country's security agencies. The death of Indian Mujahideen terrorists during this operation reportedly evoked strong emotions, even from political leaders.
2014 & Beyond: A New Dawn?
Post-2014, there's a perceptible change in the narrative. Reports suggest that major cities have been free of such large-scale terror attacks. Does this reflect a stronger security infrastructure, better intelligence, or sheer luck?
It's critical to analyze what changed. Was it policies? Was it international diplomacy? Or perhaps a more robust internal security mechanism? Whatever the reasons, for many, this shift signifies hope and a promise of a safer tomorrow.
The Road Ahead
A nation's strength is often determined not just by its economic prowess but by the safety and security it offers to its citizens. While the decade from 2004 to 2014 serves as a grim reminder of the challenges India faced, the subsequent years show resilience and a promise of change.
However, it leaves us with pressing questions: What led to this shift? Are we better prepared today than we were a decade ago? And most importantly, can we ensure that history does not repeat itself? Only time, and our collective efforts, will tell.
Do you agree that India's security infrastructure has vastly improved post-2014?
A. Yes, India feels safer now under Modi's leadership.
B. No, it has only marginally improved compared to 2004-14.
© 2023. P Mohan Chandran. All Rights Reserved.
17102023
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