Locals from India concerned after attack

U.S. representatives speak about assault on Mumbai

MORRISVILLE -- The terrorist attacks in Mumbai last month have left some Indian-Americans in the Triangle concerned about anti-terrorism efforts and the effectiveness of Pakistan's government.

More than 50 people attended a discussion on terrorism sponsored by the N.C. Indian-American Political Action Committee on Saturday to hear what three local congressman had to say about the attacks, terrorism and Pakistan.

Ten men on Nov. 26 launched coordinated attacks that lasted for three days on luxury hotels and other locations in Mumbai, killing more than 160 people. Investigators think the attackers were from Pakistan.

The attacks have aggravated the longstanding tension between the two countries as accusations grow over who was responsible. Pakistan has denied any government involvement and vowed to take action against any groups that were involved.

Shubash Gumbar, NC-INPAC chairman, said the attacks have delayed peace negotiations between the two countries. The international community needs to pressure Pakistan to bring the attackers and their supporters to justice, and to pressure other countries to control or eliminate extremists, he said.

"Terrorism strikes to the heart and soul of every human being," said Gumbar, who also called on the United States and India to improve law enforcement and intelligence efforts. "Terrorism anywhere is terrorism everywhere. It must be punished and completely eradicated."

One of the biggest problems is that intelligence officials haven't figured out a way to control terrorist communications, said U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge, a Democrat from Lillington.

Democratic U.S. Reps. David Price of Chapel Hill and Brad Miller of Raleigh said a military response by India would be counterproductive.

"This is something that calls for diplomacy of a high order," said Price, who is chairman of the House Subcommittee on Homeland Security. "There is not going to be success in bringing these people to justice that does not involve a major degree of cooperation by the Pakistani authorities."

Price said he was unimpressed with Pakistan's response to the attacks but said it was better than nothing. He also questioned Pakistan's commitment to pursuing those responsible for the attacks.

Gumbar applauded Pakistan's efforts to ban terrorist organizations and freeze their assets, but he said such actions have been done before with limited effect.

Pakistani authorities Thursday detained the founder of a militant group thought to have coordinated the attacks.

The problem with Pakistan's government, Price said, is that it isn't strong enough to conduct an effective response to terrorism.

Root of the problems

Terrorism efforts are as strong as the disputes they support, Price continued. Conflicts such as the one between Israel and the Palestinians only further their causes.

"We have to get back into the business of trying to move that process forward because it is a festering sore," Price said.

The key to eradicating terrorism is taking care of the oppressed, said Arvind Sinha, who has a friend who left the Taj Mahal Hotel about a half-hour before the attacks.

"When people are happy and they have their needs met, then they won't think about terrorism," said Sinha, 49, who lives in Morrisville but grew up in Mumbai.

Ash Mehta, who also grew up in Mumbai and still travels there, heard that the attacks have made residents more civic minded, in much the way U.S. citizens responded to the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

"It has really awakened the middle class and the upper middle class to play a more active role in politics and change the way things are done, everything from security to infrastructure," said Mehta, 40, who lives in Cary. "From what I'm reading, this is awakening a lot of people in India."