MEDIA REACTION: SHAH RUKH KHAN, TERRORISM,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 NEW DELHI 001739 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: SHAH RUKH KHAN, TERRORISM, INDIA-CHINA RELATIONS; NEW DELHI. This countrywide cable reports on relevant media reaction/opinion from India's large non-English press. The Mission reports on English-language media via email through the daily "Early Edition" summary. -------------- SHAH RUKH KHAN -------------- ¶1. "WAS THE IMMIGRATION OFFICER WHO HARRASSED SHAH RUKH A JEW?" commentary in August 19 right-of-center Urdu daily, RASHTRIYA SAHARA: "Prior to the Shah Rukh Khan incident, several Muslim clerics have been deported from American airports. The strong American Jewish lobby prevents entry of Muslims into America. Jewish immigration officers try their best to block Muslim visitors. The Jewish lobby is all set to strangle President Obama's desire for close relationship with the Muslim world." ¶2. "HERO'S QUESTIONING," editorial in August 18 centrist Hindi daily, DAINIK HINDUSTAN: "Many in India are accusing U.S. officials of profiling South Asian heartthrob Shah Rukh Khan because of his race and his name. But it is because of such tight U.S. vigilance that after 9/11 no one has been able to find chinks in America's armor. One of the biggest reasons for terror attacks in India is the lax security, a result of bending rules to accommodate the rich and the famous. We suffer from the all pervasive VIP culture. India should learn that a rule is a rule -- no matter who you are. That said, it may be good for the U.S. and India to work on some solution for the future." -------------- TERRORISM -------------- ¶3. "DARK CLOUDS OF TERRORISM OVER INDIA," editorial in August 19 right-of-center Urdu daily, HAMARA SAMAJ: "Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has warned that there is a threat to India from Pakistan-based terrorists. The PM's observation is not out of place or without any reason. We should also keep an eye on the subversive activities of China. It will not be surprising if India's Maoists are being instigated by China." ¶4. "DANGER OF EXTREMISM," editorial in August 19 right- of-center Urdu daily, HINDUSTAN EXPRESS: "Manmohan Singh has indirectly said that Pakistan failed to control terrorist organizations active on its soil. The Gilani government should take serious note. But, its reaction on the statement is inappropriate. It shows Pakistan's lack of a conscience. To take every concern of India in a hostile manner has become the habit of Pakistan." -------------- NDIA-CHINA RELATIONS -------------- NEW DELHI 00001739 002 OF 002 ¶5. "CHINA'S INCREASING BELLIGERENCE," op-ed in August 18 right of center Hindi daily, DAINIK JAGRAN: "New Delhi took exception to an article on a quasi-official Chinese website, which boasted that the Indian federation was ripe for dismemberment if Beijing tried just a little. There is nothing new in this Chinese suggestion. This has been on China's mind for the last 40 years. India's Navy chief Admiral Mehta said it would be foolhardy to compare India and China as equals and it would be better for India to cooperate rather than confront. This is the kind of meek mentality that makes India a loser. Why is China such a major power today? It is so because of strong nationalism. See Israel. Although a small nation surrounded by enemies, it is invincible. That's what we need in India, strong nationalism to bulwark the country." ROEMER