Mumbai Terror Attacks: How do we make peace relevant?

The Mumbai terror attacks have jolted the world. It has shocked us. If I had a better vocabulary I would use some more words to describe the tragedy. But I don’t and I think I made my point.

It was not that there have been no terrorist attacks before. But the fact is, this tragedy has made us realize that the continued terrorism is very real and its presence is not merely confined to our TV screens.

The world is looking for a response and the only plausible action is to wipe out the roots of this disease called terrorism that seems determined to wipe out the human race.

There are no clear solutions, as an average Indian, I want justice. I want the perpetrators to be punished. But what should this punishment entail??? A war? A peaceful march? I don’t know. I am a peaceful citizen and I would like peace at all costs. But would that mean there would be no future terrorist attacks.

Will diplomacy prove to be useful in rendering justice? Should justice be negotiated? I am not an expert. I am hoping that diplomats doing the rounds of world will ensure that justice is served to the rightful.

Will strengthening our borders, having a tighter security will deter the terrorists? Will it weaken their resolve to kill innocent people? I hope so.

Will God punish the terrorists or provide justice? I wish so. For all I know, the word God has already been maligned so much that I am fearful of invoking his presence to bring justice on this earth.

Will peaceful marches and rallies ensure a better world?  I would urge for peace and look for peaceful, non-violent solutions to the tragedy that has struck our home. But I certainly don’t believe in a mute peace process.

The truth is, as an average citizen of India and this world. I want answers, I want solutions, I want actions to emerge. I wish this would happen sooner than later before terrorism takes over our world. I am an advocate of peace and peaceful solutions. I am ready to do my bit to promote peace.

But I want peace that is relevant in today’s world. I don’t want peace that pacifies relevant voices and actions. I want peace that stands up to atrocities and terror.

My question remains: How do we make peace relevant? If Gandhi could make peace and non-violence relevant 50 years ago, I am sure we can do it now. It’s just that we haven’t tried enough.