News reports have the Indian authorities being very circumspect but hinting at Islamic extremists.
But, and perhaps this is too conspiracy theory, why would Islamic extremists blow up provincial towns in India?
Perhaps because of local issues -- certainly today's target, Ahmadabad, has local problems between Muslim and Hindu populations.
On the other hand, such bombings will only stir up resentment against the Muslim minority and can hardly benefit Muslims. There is no separatist movement to benefit and no obvious political objective save revenge for earlier rounds of violence. So perhaps someone else is to blame?
The caution of the Indian government may reflect uncertainty as to the real terrorists.
Remember the Spanish train bombings -- the usual suspects aren't always guilty.
The Globe story reads, in part:
Indian city rocked by 16 bombs; at least 29 dead
R.K. MISRA
Associated Press Sat, 26 Jul 2008
16:21 EDT
AHMADABAD, India — At least 29 people were killed and 88 wounded when a series of small explosions hit the western Indian city of Ahmadabad on Saturday, a top official said, a day after seven similar blasts struck a southern city.
Narendra Modi, the chief minister of Gujarat state where Ahmadabad is located, said at least 16 bombs went off Saturday evening in several neighbourhoods of the busy city.
...
.Prithviraj Chavan, a junior minister in the prime minister's office, called the explosions "deplorable" and said they were set off by people "bent upon creating a communal divide in the country" – language officials usually use when blaming Islamic militants believed to be behind bombings that have repeatedly hit India's cities in recent years.
Full story here:
3 comments:
"On the other hand, such bombings will only stir up resentment against the Muslim minority and can hardly benefit Muslims."
That's the point. It serves the Jihadis' interest to stir prejudice and persecution against Muslims because that will radicalize more Muslims against their cause.
"...radicalize more muslims FOR their cause."
Ben,
That may be the real reason. Certainly that has been Bin Laden's game.
james
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