KOLKATA RESPONDS TO MUMBAI TERRORIST ATTACKS

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KOLKATA 000332 SIPDIS STATE FOR SCA/INS, INR/MR NSC FOR ANISH GOEL E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL PTER IN SUBJECT: KOLKATA RESPONDS TO MUMBAI TERRORIST ATTACKS REF: 08 NEW DELHI 3065 ¶1. (SBU) Summary: Like their fellow Indians throughout the country, Kolkatans were captivated and shocked by the Mumbai terrorist attacks. However, the initial reactions have failed to transform themselves into a general sense of urgency in the government or the general public for action. The prevailing popular belief is that Kolkata is immune from a spectacular terrorist strike given its perceived gateway status for terrorist travel and the lack of international interest in the city. State police would like to use what political window of opportunity there is to increase border and coastal security and strengthen state-level special response team capabilities. While business and civic organizations have cancelled several of their social functions, life in Kolkata is returning to its pre-Mumbai state, albeit with a notable increase in police presence. Mumbai: the Indian 9/11? ¶2. (SBU) The Indian media was quick to label the Mumbai November 26 terrorist attacks as the "Indian 9/11" citing the attacker's boldness, the landmark nature of the targets and the attackers ability to lay siege to the country's one true A-list global city. Additionally, the media's continuous coverage of the event, which unfolded live for approximately 50 hours before millions of viewers, contributed to the sense of a shared national experience. However, political, business and media contacts dismiss the 9/11 comparison because of the lack of government and public response. In Kolkata there does not appear to be a sense of urgency for action or an overwhelming sense of solidarity with people in Mumbai. While there have been a few small vigils in the city, there have not been any large scale demonstrations or rallies - a popular form of public expression in West Bengal - to express solidarity with the victims of Mumbai or advocate for enhanced security in West Bengal. Geo-political rather than Religious ¶3. (SBU) Kolkata interlocutors unanimously view the Mumbai terrorist attacks through a geo-political, rather than religious lens. They consider it to be an external attack on the state and not an attempt to mobilize the Muslim population within India or inflame religious tensions. The BBC's East Indian correspondent speculated that the attacks were an attempt by the Pakistani Army establishment to jeopardize the ongoing confidence building measures with India. While Muslim contacts are keeping a low profile, there have been no outbreaks of religious violence or public expression of anger towards the Muslim communities. Kolkata Muslim organizations have condemned the attacks publicly and in Urdu print and electronic media (see Reftel). Investors Re-consider Country Risk ¶4. (SBU) The business community anticipates that investors will focus more closely on India's perceived country risk before making investment decisions; although terrorism has always been factored into existing country risk multiples. However, the greatest threat to the Indian economy continues to be the global financial crisis. Companies, especially those in the tourism industry, have increased their physical security, and one American firm has even contacted post expressing interest in establishing an Overseas Security Advisory Council branch chapter since the attack. Window of Opportunity to Increase Security ¶5. (SBU) State police appear to be seizing the opportunity to increase preparedness and expenditure on homeland security. Government of West Bengal's (GOWB) Inspector General for law and order told Poloff that the state government is considering establishing coastal police stations and strengthening border security with Bangladesh, as only 2478 km of the 2979 km land border is fenced (total length of border is 4096 km). They would also like to increase the capability of state-held response assets, such as the establishment of a second special police battalion, and the addition of a new National Security Group/Guard presence in the West Bengal. However, the officer confided that he did not perceive a changed sense of urgency from the senior civil servants and state politicians for action and remarked that a new internal directive to provide senior police officers with weapons training is not the type of response he had hoped for. GOWB's Home Secretary Asok Chakrabarti asked ConGen for assistance with security training and recommendations for additional equipment, but appears to be as concerned with the possibility of Naxalite (Maoist) attacks as he is with potential terrorist attacks. KOLKATA 00000332 002 OF 002 Is Kolkata Immune From Terrorist Attacks? ¶6. (SBU) Many Kolkatans believe that terrorists will not attack Kolkata because of Kolkata's perceived use as a safe haven and transit point for terrorists from Bangladesh. Others think that Kolkata is not a sexy enough target to attract world-wide interest for a high-profile terrorist attack. Since the Mumbai attacks, a portion of the population is now questioning Kolkata's perceived safe haven status. Police have increased their visible presence within the city and at the airport. Comment ¶7. (SBU) Kolkata has always been physically closer to the Northeast insurgencies and terrorist attacks and has perhaps de-sensitized itself, more so than Mumbai or New Delhi, to terrorist violence. While in the week following the attacks organizations did cancel some of their events, it was as much due to a physical fatigue from watching the events unfold as it was for solidarity purposes. The calls for greater political accountability do not resonate here given the lack of real political competition in what is effectively a one-party state. If the Mumbai - 9/11 comparison is to hold, the attacks needs to be followed by a response, and in Kolkata at least, the lack of an immediate political or social one indicates that it is business as usual. PAYNE