MEDIA REACTION: WAR AGAINST TERRORISM,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 NEW DELHI 001805 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: WAR AGAINST TERRORISM, INTERNATIONAL TRADE; 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. -------------- WAR AGAINST TERRORISM -------------- ¶1. "CANNED TERROR," editorial in August 27 centrist Hindi daily, NAVBHARAT TIMES: "A suspected Lashkar-e- Taiba militant's arrest cannot be taken lightly. Prime Minister Singh has already warned the nation against more dangerous terrorist activities in the coming festival season. There is no room for negligence. Interpol's Red Corner Notice against the 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed shows that India's efforts on the external front are showing results. But the real challenge in the context of terrorism lies on internal front. Besides the police and intelligence agencies, people themselves need to be prepared and alert." ¶2. "THE EXTENT OF TERRORISM," editorial in August 27 centrist Hindi daily, DAINIK HINDUSTAN: "Maoist and Islamic terrorism should be seen as major challenges. The Maoists are running a parallel rule in some eastern states of India. On the other hand, there are the Lashkar and other Pakistan-based terrorist groups. Besides the national security and vigilance, international cooperation is also needed. The war against these internal and external terrorist forces is complicated, but it is not impossible for India to win." ¶3. "TALIBAN TRAPPED: THIS IS THE TIME TO HIT OUT AT THE TERRORIST OUTFIT," op-ed in August 28 centrist Marathi daily, SAKAAL: "Even before the Taliban reorganizes itself to avenge the death of chief Baitullah Mehsud in a CIA missile strike on August 5, U.S. and Pakistani officials should strike hard against the terrorist outfit. As per Pakistani intelligence, the movement is in disarray and is buying time to announce its next leader. Meanwhile, U.S. efforts are on to dismantle Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan because the regrouping of two terrorist forces is a worse prospect. In this context, the attack on the militant hideouts in the restive tribal region bordering on Afghanistan is welcome. At least 10 militants have been killed in this attack carried out by Pakistani security forces." -------------- INTERNATIONAL TRADE -------------- ¶4. "INDIA CAUGHT IN U.S. TRAP AGAIN," editorial in August 28 Bengali GANASHAKTI: "Even without resolving the problems that left the WTO Doha Round inconclusive, new ministerial-level talks are set to be held in India. The meeting that will spell doom for the Indians is being organized with Indian tax payers' money. The Congress-led government has become extremely close to NEW DELHI 00001805 002 OF 002 the U.S. It is no wonder then that they will shamelessly surrender to Europe and America. The central government has taken up the responsibility of molding public opinion in favor of opening the third world market for the U.S." ROEMER