MUSING
IT’S THE MIND SET, STUPID!
- Adv. D.K. Shetty
Cases of state sponsored, covert or overt, Global terrorism is increasing alarmingly day-by-day. Unprecedented security measure has become top priority all over the world, especially in Western Countries. Nobody is spared however big and powerful one may be. Mutual suspicion and mutual distrust have grown so much that even left hand suspects the trustworthiness of right hand.
When we look at the global scenario of security measure, no doubt, Muslims are the worst sufferers. When one member of the family is branded with charges of delinquency, entire family is looked upon with suspicion. Similarly, repeated indulgence of even small section of a particular community in criminal activities and terrorism are brought to the fore, the needle of suspicion unfortunately turns towards entire community. As responsible citizens and members of a decent society, it is our bounden duty to co-operate with the law enforcing authorities to do their job, whether in India or abroad.
Hero worship and sycophancy is practiced and entertained mainly in developing countries and underdeveloped countries. We have plenty of so-called Celebrities and big people who spend generously for the sycophants. Here, bigger the security cover, greater is the status. Developed countries give a damn to these antics. Even the celebrities from Hollywood or top ranking Lawmakers walk freely on the road without a hoard of security personnel laced behind them.
In USA, the security checks at every point and especially the airports, is unique and very strict. It is always advisable for the people who travel to USA and other Western countries to shed their so-called celebrity status and egoistic mindset back home before boarding the flight. Apart from what is screened at Security Checks in Indian airports, screening of shoes, waist belt, jacket, coat, muffler, cap/hat and heavy jewelleries etc. is a must. Slightest unusual beep by the metal detector will attract thorough and intense frisking from head to toe including loosening the trouser. Similarly, if the flyer’s name even vaguely matches with those in the wanted list of security agencies, he is subjected to thorough questioning. There is no reason to get restless or irritated. One will get irritated only at his own peril.
Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan was once detained and questioned by US security at Newark airport in New Jersy. Being a well known cine personality his ego was hurt. Reportedly he made a big fuss and attempted to blow the issue out of proportion. But there were no takers. Different VVIPs were subjected to embarrassing security checks at different places. Former Indian President, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was frisked, Central ministers, Mr. Praful Patel was quizzed, Mr. Pranab Mukerjee had to undergo security checks, Mr. George Fernandes was reportedly strip-searched and a saree-clad Indian envoy, Ms. Shankar had to face pat-down search. Government of India lodged protest. But, nothing happened. Rule-bound airport securities strictly go by the book. Big names like former Vice-President Al Gore, Senator, Late Edward Kennedy, leading business tycoons and sports icons were not spared. There is no special consideration for celebrities. For them VIPs and Celebs are not above the law. There is no point in grudging against US security. Probably, that may be the reason why there was no second 9 / 11 repetetion.
In India, all the accused and suspects are innocent unless proved otherwise whereas in USA, all are equal suspects unless determined otherwise.
In the light of growing security lapses and impending security threat to the nation, it is high time India too concentrate on upgrading security structure at par with Western Countries, and it is advisable to have special and thorough security checks in place for VVIPs themselves without any exceptions. After all it is only the mindset which needs to change.
- Adv. D.K. Shetty
Cases of state sponsored, covert or overt, Global terrorism is increasing alarmingly day-by-day. Unprecedented security measure has become top priority all over the world, especially in Western Countries. Nobody is spared however big and powerful one may be. Mutual suspicion and mutual distrust have grown so much that even left hand suspects the trustworthiness of right hand.
When we look at the global scenario of security measure, no doubt, Muslims are the worst sufferers. When one member of the family is branded with charges of delinquency, entire family is looked upon with suspicion. Similarly, repeated indulgence of even small section of a particular community in criminal activities and terrorism are brought to the fore, the needle of suspicion unfortunately turns towards entire community. As responsible citizens and members of a decent society, it is our bounden duty to co-operate with the law enforcing authorities to do their job, whether in India or abroad.
Hero worship and sycophancy is practiced and entertained mainly in developing countries and underdeveloped countries. We have plenty of so-called Celebrities and big people who spend generously for the sycophants. Here, bigger the security cover, greater is the status. Developed countries give a damn to these antics. Even the celebrities from Hollywood or top ranking Lawmakers walk freely on the road without a hoard of security personnel laced behind them.
In USA, the security checks at every point and especially the airports, is unique and very strict. It is always advisable for the people who travel to USA and other Western countries to shed their so-called celebrity status and egoistic mindset back home before boarding the flight. Apart from what is screened at Security Checks in Indian airports, screening of shoes, waist belt, jacket, coat, muffler, cap/hat and heavy jewelleries etc. is a must. Slightest unusual beep by the metal detector will attract thorough and intense frisking from head to toe including loosening the trouser. Similarly, if the flyer’s name even vaguely matches with those in the wanted list of security agencies, he is subjected to thorough questioning. There is no reason to get restless or irritated. One will get irritated only at his own peril.
Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan was once detained and questioned by US security at Newark airport in New Jersy. Being a well known cine personality his ego was hurt. Reportedly he made a big fuss and attempted to blow the issue out of proportion. But there were no takers. Different VVIPs were subjected to embarrassing security checks at different places. Former Indian President, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was frisked, Central ministers, Mr. Praful Patel was quizzed, Mr. Pranab Mukerjee had to undergo security checks, Mr. George Fernandes was reportedly strip-searched and a saree-clad Indian envoy, Ms. Shankar had to face pat-down search. Government of India lodged protest. But, nothing happened. Rule-bound airport securities strictly go by the book. Big names like former Vice-President Al Gore, Senator, Late Edward Kennedy, leading business tycoons and sports icons were not spared. There is no special consideration for celebrities. For them VIPs and Celebs are not above the law. There is no point in grudging against US security. Probably, that may be the reason why there was no second 9 / 11 repetetion.
In India, all the accused and suspects are innocent unless proved otherwise whereas in USA, all are equal suspects unless determined otherwise.
In the light of growing security lapses and impending security threat to the nation, it is high time India too concentrate on upgrading security structure at par with Western Countries, and it is advisable to have special and thorough security checks in place for VVIPs themselves without any exceptions. After all it is only the mindset which needs to change.
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