Corruption and Terrorism
December 1st, 2008
I have been watching people on TV giving their opinion on how to tackle terrorism in India. Everyone wants increased security and wants more money and people for coast guard, NSG etc. etc. Some have even gone to the extend of supporting suspension of individual freedom!! Not surprisingly politicians are at the receiving and frankly I have no sympathy for them.
But what many people don’t understand is the fundamental problems that must be addressed before increasing police force or increasing NSG commandos. Without addressing corruption and poverty in India, nothing can be done to prevent terrorist attacks. Of course, the external forces trying to cause trouble also needs to be dealt with.
The impact of corruption is hard to imagine. In India, if you bribe the correct people almost anything can be done. Similarly it is difficult to get anything done by government without paying bribe. Here are some of the news items that caught my attention.
DNA is reporting that the Mumbai police had defective bullet proof jackets and it is probably what caused the death of police officers,
“But in 2004, another batch of vests was tested by another officer and they too were found to be defective. Most likely, the police officers who died on Wednesday night were wearing these vests,” Singh said.
”There is a big cartel operating here,” Singh, who quit after being fed up with corruption in the police force, said.
In terms of corruption Kerala is much better than many other Indian states. But it is still very high compared to many developed countries. For example, consider the building rules which is intended to ensure that people are safe and the growth of the city is controlled and sustainable. Every rule can be twisted if you have enough money in your pocket. Just walk around Trivandrum or Cochin city and check out the flats being built.
The same applies to all other areas. It is funny that today Kerala government has announced plans to introduce vehicle numbers for boats! Now the problem is simple. What if the guy who is supposed to give the number is corrupt? What if the coast guard who is supposed to check the boat is corrupt?
In a way the corrupt government officials and corrupt politicians are a bigger threat than terrorists themselves. Terrorists can do only limited damage, but these corrupt people can bring down the entire country.
Now consider this. We all know that corruption is all pervasive. But how many are convicted in Kerala for corruption the last year? Who will find the corruption in departments like vigilance? Who will watch the guardians?
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