MEDIA REACTION: INDIA/PAKISTAN RELATIONS,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 NEW DELHI 003191 SIPDIS STATE FOR NP, AC, PM STATE FOR INR/MR STATE FOR SCA/INS, PM/CBM, PM/PRO STATE FOR SCA/PPD, PA/RRU STATE FOR AID/APRE-A USDOC FOR 4530/IEP/ANESA/OSA FOR BILL MURPHY E.O. 12958:N/A TAGS: KMDR KPAO PGOV PREL IN SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION: INDIA/PAKISTAN RELATIONS, TERRORISM / MUMBAI ATTACKS, IRAQ; NEW DELHI. This cable reports on relevant media reaction from India's large non-English press. Embassy New Delhi reports on English-language media via email in the daily "Early Edition." USG customers please write to Geeta Krishali (KrishaliG@state.gov) to subscribe to the "Early Edition." -------------- INDIA/PAKISTAN RELATIONS -------------- ¶01. "DILIGENCE OF INDO-PAK LEADERSHIPS", editorial in December 18, 2008 right-of-center Urdu daily "RASHTRIYA SAHARA", New Delhi: "Statements from Indo-Pak leaderships, regarding rejection of any possibility of war between the two countries, are a matter of satisfaction for those circles worrying about possible war between two South Asian nuclear powers. This time the Indian government, demonstrating extreme patience and sagacity, avoided any steps which might lead to war. Destructive elements active in Pakistan committed some mischief, which might have turned the prevailing tension into clashes, but perceiving the sensitive situation the world community rose to the occasion and pressured Pakistan through diplomatic channels to take action against mischievous elements within Pakistan. There was a real fear these destructive elements might take advantage of the tense war-like situation. Even today, the possibility of war plays into the hands of those elements which gain most from mutual clashes. Now, it is the responsibility of Pakistan to open its eyes and take concrete action against extremists active in its land." -------------- TERRORISM / MUMBAI ATTACKS -------------- ¶02. "STRICT ACTION AGAINST TERROR," editorial in December 18 centrist NAVBHARAT TIMES Hindi daily: "The steps being taken by the Indian government to tackle terrorism are welcome. The setting up of the National Investigation Agency and strengthening of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act will go a long way toward containing terrorism. Initially the UPA government was hesitant on setting up the federal agency, in deference to Muslim sensitivities. The Muslim community reacted strongly this time against the Mumbai terror attacks. The resentment 
among the people made the government realize that if it does not take effective measures it will lose its credibility. Finally, the NIA is now set to be established. It was pending for a long time, because the states were a major impediment. Under no circumstances should the terror laws be misused, however." ¶03. "POSITIVE MUSLIM REACTION," column in December 18 right-of-center DAINIK JAGRAN Hindi daily by Mahip Singh: "The resentment among the people against the 26 November Mumbai terror and the reaction of India's Muslim community abhorring the incident is significant. They called it an un-Islamic act and demanded strong action against Pakistan. The Mumbai Muslim Council even refused NEW DELHI 00003191 002 OF 002 to bury the bodies of the terrorists. India's Muslims have openly come out this time and want to show that they are united with the nation in this critical time. It is a matter of vital concern that the terrorists take great pride in calling it a jihad. If Muslim religious institutions in India raise their voice against these non-religious acts executed in the name of the religion, terrorism can be fought very effectively in this country." ¶04. "NOW `FORCE ONE' FOR MUMBAI" editorial in the December 19, 2008, Mumbai edition of centrist Marathi daily LOKMAT. "The idea of Force One, an elite commando unit being set up in the aftermath of 26/11, is welcome. Mumbai will soon have a commando force to tackle urban terrorism of the kind it witnessed recently. Much along the lines of the National Security Guard, Force One is to be peopled primarily by Short Service Commission Officers of the Indian Army. While such a force will exclusively battle terrorists, Mumbai can become a safer place only when these commandos get favorable anti-terror security infrastructure in the city. Mumbai needs efficient special courts which will try the captured terrorists. Also, security along the city's coasts needs to be stepped up. While the new force needs attention, even other police stations need to be upgraded in terms of manpower, vehicles and armed constables. Only then can we expect a well-coordinated urban combat response..." -------------- IRAQ -------------- ¶05. "IRAQI SHOE AND RESENTMENT OF THE OPPRESSED" editorial in December 17 Guwahati Assamese independent DAINIK JANASADHARAN. "...The 'shooing' incident is nothing but a display of the Iraqi peoples' growing resentment against the Bush Administration... America's Iraq policy has made the country a big threat to world peace... and Washington has deliberately ignored the fact for its own economic gain. If Mantezar's shoe wakes up Washington from its slumber, then there will be noticeable progress in the war against Islamic terrorism. It may also be a good lesson for President-elect Obama to learn." MULFORD