The New Nation - Internet Edition

INDIAN police reportedly suspects that Harakat-ul-Jihad of Bangladesh might be involved in the recent bomb attacks in Jaipur. A section of Indian news media is making propaganda pointing fingers at Bangladesh. The Adviser for Foreign Affairs has requested the Indian media not to jump to hasty conclusion before thorough investigations have been made. Harkat had been blamed for series of attacks within the country in the past. Bangladesh banned this group in October 2005. Dozens of its activists including its main leader have been arrested and it is now a non-entity in Bangladesh. What is above all doubts is that this terrorist organisation is in no way backed by Bangladesh that has banned the organisation and arrested its key leaders. Rather, the Indian media might be reminded that the armed groups of the Shanti Bahini had come out of their hideouts in India to surrender to the Bangladesh government after the signing of the peace accord in 1997.

Terrorists have no borders today. Therefore, there is little ground to blame a particular country for any act of cross-country terrorism. The Indian media must not forget the existence of different ethnic, political and religious militant groups in that country. The 'Indian Mojahideen' that has claimed the responsibility of the Jaipur attacks is purely an Indian organisation. It is expected that the Indian media would shun propaganda based on preconceived notions and refrain from blaming a friendly country. The danger with such a mindset is that the real perpetrators might remain out of sight. The people of Bangladesh want that India to be in peace, and at the same time, is desirous of a reciprocal attitude from their closest neighbour. It is hoped that Indian media would better promote cordial relationship between the two countries.